Monday, April 30, 2012

Interview with Tina Pinson and giveaway!


Why do you write the kind of books you do?

First let me say, thank you so much for letting me visit your blog, Laura. I write Christian Fiction, because I believe God gave me the talent to write. Writing takes me places I'll probably never go. Words carry so much weight and I want to touch people with the truth.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
T
hat would probably be my wedding day. Or the births of my children

How has being published changed your life?

Not too much, I have more editing to accomplish and maybe a greater push to get more out there. But I didn't hit the bestsellers list or win any Nobel Prizes in literature, so my life is pretty much still the same. Where I've changed is my outlook on approaching marketing and editing. I've learned to promote myself more, and not be so scared. Yep, all that putting yourself out there can be somewhat scary, but I'm learning. Maybe I should be glad I haven't hit the big time yet, I might not have been able to handle it, at first.

What are you reading right now?

The Hunger Games (Trilogy) and Divergent

What is your current work in progress?

I have a few. Am still working on some I should have finished by now. But most of my time of late has gone to Changed/Tamed (haven't decided) by Mercy a sequel to Touched By Mercy, kind of a taming of the Shrew story.

What would be your dream vacation?

I have a few places I'd like to go. Would love to go to Australia, or Alaska

How do you choose your settings for each book?

My setting might be places I'd like to go, a lot of times they're places I've been and want to use them in a story.

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

Gosh, that's a hard question. I'm not really sure. Maybe a dignitary or something.

What three things about you would surprise readers?

I'm a klutz. I have five grandchildren. I love dogs.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I like to draw, sing and speak. I like to grow a garden and do some canning. Would like to do more camping.

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

My biggest obstacle, beyond editing was probably believing in myself. I had to realize that I wasn't meant to be another writer, I met to write with the imagination and heart God gave me. It's unique to the person I am. Others might have ideas on how I should write, but I still have to be true to who I am.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

I would tell them to write what touches them. Write their heart. You have your imagination and style for a reason. Don't let someone take that away from you. Don't comprimise yourself to please everyone. Please the audience of One. God.




Tell us about the book.

When Shadows Fall is what I call my OreGone with the Wind series. It follows Rebekah through the horrors of war and loss. And then follows her on her Journey to New Eden, or Oregon. There are battles and pain. And of course a handsome hero. Matthew.

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

Maybe that even when life is hard there is a New Eden waiting. It might be across the world, or just a change in our mind and heart, The journey to get there might be harder than we hoped it would be, but it's one we must take and realize that God is always there with us, even when it doesn't seem that way. We have to take the first step.

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

You're traveling on the Oregon Trail. Beyond God, your family and your supplies, what three things would you take with you on your journey.

Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering.

One commenter will win an ebook copy of When Shadows Fall.
Two commenters will win PDF copies of story outtakes.



When Shadows Fall

Excerpt --
Matthew's voice was soft, and appealing. Too appealing. His closeness, and the warmth radiating from his body, caused her heart to thrum. Rebekah decided to go in.
Robert had been gone and thought dead for over a year. How easy it would be to fall into Matthew's arms. Let him comfort her like he'd done when she was a girl. They seemed like such strong arms. But she wasn't a child anymore. She was a married woman with a child and a sick husband who needed her.
Her first love could be nothing more than a precious memory. Her heart grew heavy. She turned and was about to take her leave when Matthew asked about Robert. "If you'd rather not talk about it, I'll understand. I only wanted you to know if you need anything, I'm here for you. I'll help in any way I can."
"That's very kind. Things are okay for now. Besides, I couldn't expect you to help the enemy." She stood still, afraid to face him. Afraid of the concern he'd show.
"Rebekah, if you love him, and he cares for you, he's no enemy of mine." His reply was tender. He caught her shoulders, turned her to face him. "I mean that with all my heart."
Rebekah nodded. He meant it. Her eyes misted. Her tears were building. If she fell into his arms, it was wrong to even think it, but... would he hold her close? Or had time changed everything? Still, she wasn't his to hold anymore. In reality she never had been, though she wanted to be. Did he wish it were different? She wished they could go back, but they couldn't. She had to accept that she would never be his, and be grateful for the chance to see him again.


Blurb --
As the Civil War rages, Rebekah fights to keep her world intact. But loss and sorrow has seeped into her heart and mind. She sets her sights on Oregon, praying this new Eden will allow her a place of peace and a place to put her life, and that of her son's, back together again. She travels to Independence, Missouri ready to take the train west, but is denied the opportunity to join the train because she is woman alone. Matthew battles his way through one fight after another, all the while thinking of Rebekah. The woman who holds his heart. He longs to help her west, but fears his biggest battle lies ahead of him. Will Rebekah open up her heart to him and allow him to be the one to hold her When the Shadows Fall?

My website -- http://www.tinapinson.com/
Twitter:@Tina_Pinson
Facebook-- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=754617103
Purchase my books at:

Desert Breeze Bookstore.
Touched By Mercy - http://tiny.cc/0rgkm
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/we4ul
When Shadow Fall http://tinyurl.com/d93p77a

Amazon:
Touched By Mercy http://tiny.cc/k5tgw
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/doc8w
When Shadows Fall

Barnes & Noble
Touched By Mercy— http://tinyurl.com/7ztzjno
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/oh767
When Shadows Fall

Christian Books Distributors
Touched By Mercy – http://tinyurl.com/72p4pml
In the Manor of the Ghost http://tiny.cc/4u5h9
When Shadows Fall

23 comments:

Lynette Endicott said...

Hmm - I have lived along the Oregon Trail, and I've played the game, but I've never thought about what else to take along besides God, family and supplies. Maybe the energy to face each new day with joy, the comfort that others have succeeded in going on before, and the heart to encourage others along the way.

Davalyn Spencer said...

If I were on the Oregon Trail, I'd have to take determination, desire, and faith along with me. What a struggle! So many basically walked much of the way, and loss was a constant companion. I'm eager to see what becomes of Rebekah and Matthew.

DenaNetherton said...

Hey, sounds like a very interesting story. I'd love to read it. My email is brucedenakiri@aol.com. I hope I win!

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

absolutely love your advice to writers.. thank you for this perspective - just what i need ! TY~

karenk said...

this sounds like a fabulous story...thanks for the chance to read it.

on my journey, i would wear a cross necklace, i would carry my bible, and lastly, a camera.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Jackie S. said...

Tina is a new author for me, and I love the sound of her books. Thanks for entering me!
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

Tina Pinson said...

Hello, Laura,
Just wanted to say thanks and tell you it looks lovely.

joye said...

From one dog lover to another, I like to read and your book sounds really good.
My Jack Russell terrier loves to get my books and shake them until the pages come out.. I have learned to put them up out of his reach.
would love to win your book and I promise I would not let Willie get to it.

Anonymous said...

I have just recently heard of Tina's book and have her on my wish list. I would love to win the e-book.

My 3 items: Bible, pen, notebook

mafinnegan(at)yahoo(dot)com

~Melissa

Tina Pinson said...

Lynn, so you lived along the Oregon Trail, inquiring minds want to know where. I played the game too. Bought the newest version just to use it for some research. Oh the things we do.

It certainly would have taken a lot of energy to make that trip. And the year my characters will take it there are far more modern amenities than some before. I tell myself it might be fun, until I think about all they had to do.

Tina Pinson said...

Davalyn,

determination, desire, and faith... would be of utmost importance. So many people dropped out because they couldn't take it. And you're right, many died from drinking the water at some of the places they stopped. From sickness and more. I find it amazing how many remarried on the trail too

Tina Pinson said...

Dena,

Thank you for visiting with Laura and I. Your name is certainly in the running.

Tina Pinson said...

Faith,

appreciate your saying so, glad my words could be of some use. And thank you for coming by.

Tina Pinson said...

Karen K,

A camera, huh? It might be fun to document it all. Then you'd have to wonder how much time you'd have on your hands. Of course, I would have all the time, cause I'd hire hands to do everything for me so I wouldn't have to work too hard. Yeah, Right.

thanks for sharing

Tina Pinson said...

Jackie,
you are most welcome and your name has been added to the list.

:-)

Tina Pinson said...

Melissa,
Hello, so your Bible, a pen, notebook. Sounds like you plan to do some studying or writing.

Or journaling about the horrid trip your on... LOL

Tina Pinson said...

Joye,

do you have a dog that loves to get your books and shake them. I had a dog that loved to roll in cow manure, I'm thinking I wished she was more like your Jack Russell... No, she was a wonderful dog, had her 18 years.

I like to use dogs in the story and children, they add an innocent comic relief without even trying. The cute factor.

thank you...

Nancee said...

If I were to have the opportunity to travel the Oregon Trail the three most important things that I would take with me would be my Bible, a journal and a new, full of ink) pen! Thank you for this informative interview and the opportunity to win a copy of this books.
Nancee
quiltcat26@sbcglobal.net

Tina Pinson said...

Nancee,

someone else who plans to do some studying and writing. You will have some time on your hands to mull things over, that's for sure.

Thank you for coming to visit.

Books Are A Blessing said...

Sounds like a wonderful book and I would love to read it!
And I would take my Bible, scrapbooking stuff, and christian fiction books, book, books!
Blessings....Joy
ibjoy[at]yahoo.com

Tina Pinson said...

Hello Joy,

I would think by your screen name you like books. :-} Writers like people who like books. So you would take your Bible, scrapbooking stuff and Christian fiction books... you would certainly have time for reading, and I could only imagine what interesting things one could scrapbook. I wonder what the scrapbooks from those who journeyed on the trail might have looked like.
Interesting...

Jo said...

Hmm, interesting question. If I were traveling on the Oregon Trail, I would have to take my Bible, my husband and my yellow lab, Sadie with me.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Tina Pinson said...

Jo,
sounds like fine things to take along with you. Sadie will probably enjoy more than the humans.

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