Friday, January 4, 2013

An Interview with Tanya Eavenson and giveaway

Answer Tanya's question to be entered in the giveaway - leave contact information


What kind of research did you do for Unconditional?


My research mostly concentrated of gathering information for a cruise Elizabeth and Chris, my heroine and hero, took during the novel. I’ve never been on a cruise so I asked several friends about their experiences. I was grateful for them sharing their memories and pictures.

How did you come up with the plot for Unconditional?


I don’t know if I came up with the plot or if God had put it on my heart. Many families, churched or un-churched, find themselves struggling in their marriages for one reason or another, but God wants them to fight to save their marriages and families.

I grew up in a family were divorce is common, like most people today, with the idea once you “fall” out of love, and you can’t get along anymore, it’s time to get a divorce. It was almost engraved in me witnessing everyone in my family get divorced one time or many times. I, too, almost went down that route with divorce papers in hand. I told myself many things at the time, but the truth. I was focused on our failures, not the hope that with God, all things are possible. The question was, were we willing to save our marriage at all costs? Would we fight for each other, whether we felt like it or not?

It is my hope through this story, that no matter the circumstances the reader is facing, a loss of a child, infidelity, abandonment, anger, emotional hurt, etc., they will know there is hope in Christ.

Share a brief blurb about the book.

He will fight for her at any cost...

Elizabeth Roberts can't remember her past, and the present is too painful. She turns to nightclubs and drinking to forget her infant daughter's death, her husband's affair.

When his wife's coma wiped out the memory of their marriage, Chris Roberts found comfort elsewhere. He can't erase his betrayal, but with God's help he’s determined to fight for Elizabeth at any cost.

She wants to forget. He wants to save his marriage. Can they trust God with their future and find a love that’s unconditional?

What role have your life experiences played in the characters and/or the situations you develop in your books?

I’d have to say that every character has a piece of me within them whether it’s something the character likes, a physical attribute, or even a journey of spiritual growth. There’s a scene in the novel were Elizabeth and Chris head out to the lake. Elizabeth tries to hold onto the dock, but is unable and the boat floats away. When I thought to add that scene, I could only laugh. It was the first time I’d ever tried to use a trolling motor.

Do you see parallels or do you try to avoid using your own personal life as a source of inspiration?

Interesting question. I believe God allows us to go through things in our lives. Why? I don’t know. That’s for God to decide. But I know in my life, God has allowed me to experience hardships so I may help others, to be a witness, and to have a closer relationship with Him. So if God can use my life and my words for His glory, I should get out of His way and incorporate it within my stories.

What are your own favorite authors? Genres?

I know this is going to sounds strange, but I don’t have a favorite author. However, I do enjoy reading historical romance.

How has your passion for reading impacted your writing?

I had finished reading a Lori Wick series when I knew the Lord was calling me to write. What an impact that has had on my life, taking this non-writer to published author.

Describe how you write a book – with your other responsibilities, does it tend to be something you work into your every day, or do you have to “set apart” time to write with open, undesignated blocks of time?

As a writer, I heard time and time again that I needed to write every day to be successful. I used to beat myself up when I couldn’t meet that goal. It took two years fighting with this idea when I finally gave up. So I decided to do something different, I set a word count goal each week, and it’s worked. Some weeks I write 3,000 words and others 7,000 depending on what’s going on during the week. Flexibility is the key for my writing success.

What provides your inspirations during that time – i.e. do you go out in nature, do you seek to be in a busy place with people or in a quiet library, etc.?

Oh, how I’d love to be outside and write, but with three children, it seems the only time is at night after they are in bed.

How have social networking sites, even including email, etc. impacted your writing? Do you find the internet to be a helpful or harmful resource in research, advertising, reviewing, etc. your books?

I enjoy doing research for my novels since I know I will never be able to go to the places I write about, or time period for that matter. I’d also have to say, if it wasn’t for email and ACFW, a Christian writers’ network I belong to, I wouldn’t be the writer that I am today. I’m very thankful, however, social media sites, if I’m not careful, take away from my writing time. I have to be disciplined to the point that if I have something that needs to get done, I avoid it.

Laura, thank you for having me on! I’d like to leave by giving away one copy of Unconditional to one of your commenting readers by asking a question. Who’s your favorite author? What genres do you like to read?


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Tanya Eavenson and her husband have been in the ministry for fifteen years teaching youth, adults, and counseling. Tanya enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and writes for Christ to the World Ministries sharing the Gospel around the world. You can find her on Twitter at @Tan_eave and contact her at her website www.tanyaeavenson.com Want to learn more about writing? Stop by her blog http://guidedgirls.blogspot.com





41 comments:

Debbie said...

my favorite authors is Cindy woodsmall, Dee Henderson and Janette Oke and Jill Smith and too many to name and I keep finding more everyday since joinning all these book clubs on Facebook. I like to read all genre except erotic and sci f., but my favorite is Christian fiction

MelinaMason said...

I love Amish fiction, so I would say my favorite authors are Suzanne Woods Fisher and Beverly Lewis. There are so many great authors out there, it is so hard to choose and I like both Christian Fiction and Cozy Mysteries.

Diana Montgomery said...

my favorites right now are Samantha Bayaar and Amanda Tru. There others I love to read also. I believe god puts in trials to help us to grow so that we might help others. I would love to read your book Tanya. Thanks for the chance to win it.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com

Tanya Eavenson said...

Debbie, those are some great writers.I have a few of their books on my shelf too. Melina, it is so hard to pick. =)

Thank you both for stopping by!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Thanks, Diana, I appreciate that.
Have a blessed weekend!

Judy said...

Oh my I have so many favorite authors that it is so hard to just name a few. I love the books by Laura Hilton, JoAnn Durgin, Kathi Macais, Marianne Evans, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Tricia Goyer, Cindy Woodsmall, Amy Clipson, Karen Witemeyer to name a few. I love different genres. Amish fiction is a favorite as well as Christian romance, I do like Historical romance too. I just love to read period!

I would love to win a copy of your book, Unconditional. I went through a very painful divorce of 25 years back in 1994. I didn't want the divorce, he did. (Another woman was involved.) I just couldn't understand why he wanted to throw away 25 years. He did marry her but they are now divorced. I am happily remarried to a very Godly man. :)

Blessings!
Judy
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

Tanya Eavenson said...
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Tanya Eavenson said...
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Jennifer said...

I love the classics and am reading all of Dorothy L. Sayers books at the moment. I also have James Rubart's new book, Soul's Gate. I read women's fiction, light mystery, and of course, the books my friends write :)

Tanya Eavenson said...

Hi, Judy,

I'm sorry to hear. Sometimes things are out of our control, but God's grace is sufficient, and that's what keeps us going. But it sounds like God has richly blessed you.

I can see you have a great collection of books. Isn't it wonderful! =)

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Jennifer, I love the classics! And I love that you read your friends books too! =)

Thanks for stopping by!

Sharma said...

I like to read Amish books and Christian books. It's hard to choose 1 author although Marta Perry has a special place in my heart because she was the first Amish author's book that I read.

Unknown said...

What a creative twist on your love story. Yes, divorce played a critical end to my first marriage and considered several times in my present marriage....now going on 38 years - as you can see, we gave up on the idea! LOL

All of the above authors mentioned are indeed on my favorites list...and I'll add Julie Lessman, Michelle Sutton, and....well all my author friends whose books I've read and reviewed. Too many to list! Historical fiction, Amish, some romance and suspense...It depends on the interest and writing style.

Thanks for this giveaway and the chance to win an exceptional read.

In Christian Joy,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Ginger Solomon said...

Romance, almost any flavor--amish, historical, contemporary, fantasy, suspense...I'm not really picky, except I have an aversion to WWI and WWII era novels.

My favorite authors...hmmm...how to narrow it down. Mary Connealy, Melanie Dickerson (even if I'm well past YA age), Amanda Cabot, and so many others that it's hard to name them all.

Ginger

Faithful Acres Books ~ Linda Marie Finn said...

I would love to win a copy of the book. I use to read alot and now have started to read again and also want to write myself.
Blessings
Linda Finn
faithfulacres7@gmail.com

Megan Parsons said...

I love Amish books! My favorite author is Beverly Lewis! She was the author of the first Amish book I ever read 12 years ago! I also love romance and any book that has a special message from the heart! Thanks for the giveaway and God Bless!
makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com

Patricia Bradley said...

I have so many favorite authors, Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, Beth Vogt, Lisa Jordon, Johnnie Donley...and only one of them writes in my favorite genre--Romantic Suspense. lol pat at ptbradley dot com

Tanya Eavenson said...

Sharma, Lori Wick holds that spot for me. Isn't it great how an author can touch our hearts.


Thanks for your comment! Have a blessed New Year!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Barbara, Those are some great additions to the list! Thank you for your kind words.

Have a blessed New Year!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Ginger, I just read Amanda Cabot's Summer of Promise and loved it! Great pick of authors!

Thank you for stopping by!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Hi, Linda!

Glad you stopped by and commented for a chance to win!

I hope to read a novel of yours in the near future! Blessings!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Megan,

I feel the same way about my first author. It's beautiful how God can use an author to speak and touch lives. I hope Unconditional does the same for my readers.

Thank you, Megan! And blessings!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Hi, Pat!

Great additions to our list of authors! Thanks for commenting and stopping by!

Anonymous said...

I love Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, Charles Dickens, as well as some modern authors, including Janette Oke and Karen Witemyer. So, I read a lot of classics and some Christian historical fiction. I also read YA fantasy occasionally. I am excited about your book, Tanya!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Elizabeth, I couldn't agree with you more. I love those!

I appreciate it! Thank you for your comment, and have a great weekend!

Nancee said...

Like you, Tanya, I can't say that I have one particular "favorite" author. Every author has something unique and special to offer, and I find that each one has a special gift from God in expressing themselves. I love Christian fiction, Amish fiction, suspense, romance, historical fiction pertaining to Civil War times. Thank you for a lovely interview and for offering a copy of your book in Laura's blog contest. Laura is a very special author and I'm happy to see you on her blog.
Nancee
quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

karenk said...

thanks for the chance to read this story...

i can't just name one favourite author...there are so many...i do enjoy reading christian fiction.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Valerie Strawmier said...

Hi there! My favorite authors are John Grisham and Brad Meltzer because I love their action filled mysteries. However, lately I have been reading a lot of historical Christian fiction (period pieces) and I Love them! Your post was so good to read, it's worth fighting for a great marriage-thank you for sharing it!

Cheri S. said...

I love so many different authors: Candace Calvert, Ronie Kendig, Mary Ellis, Sharon Srock, Mary Urban, Kelly Irvin, and Jordyn Redwood (in no particular order and to name but a few).

I love Amish, mystery, suspense, medical and police drama, historical and contemporary romance.

Marriage and family issues are near and dear to my heart. This book sounds like one I will thoroughly enjoy. Thank you for this opportunity.

clSwalwell@gmail.com

In Him,

Cheri :)

Susan said...

My favorite author is Norah Lofts, a 20th century classic historical fiction writer. She wrote about 50 books, including some histories and contemporary fiction, but mostly historicals. I would say my second fave is George McDonald (1800s) with his still relevant historical fiction. Historical is my reading genre of choice.
Susan Karsten
jksfamily5@gmail.com

Jalynn Patterson said...

My favorite authors are Carrie Bender and Cindy Woodsmall. Amish fiction is my absolute favorite.

Blessings,
Jalynn Patterson
pattersonmom24@aol.com

RVlady said...

I thought I was the only person that did not have a favorite author. Glad to find someone else that feel that way,

I like non fiction and fiction that inspires you to think and grow.
I love inspirational stories and books.
Blessings,
jeana

Just Steph said...

My favorite author is Victoria Holt. I love her ability to take me to her setting, and I've learned a lot from stories. She writes gothic suspense. I really like suspense novels.

Tanya Eavenson said...

Very nice of you to say, Nancee. And you're so right, Laura is a very special author. =)

Glad you came by and entered for a chance to win Unconditional.

Have a Happy New Year!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Karenk, I feel the same way. It is so hard to pick. =)Thanks so much for stopping by!

Valerie, me too! Historicals are my favorite. Appreciate it!

Great meeting you, ladies!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Cheri, marriages are near and dear to my heart, too. Glad to hear you'd like this novel. If you pick up a copy of Unconditional, shoot me an email on my website tanyaeavenson.com I'd love to know your thoughts.

Blessings.

Deborah M said...

Hi Tanya,
Congratulations on your debut novel. I remember how exciting it is! I don't have a favorite author, but my favorite genre is mystery. I have leaned to love all genres though. Hope I win your new book.
Debbie Malone
"Death in Dahlonega"

Tanya Eavenson said...

Susan and Jalynn,

Those are some wonderful picks! I love the variety!

Thanks for commenting, and have a great weekend!

Tanya Eavenson said...

RVlady, you're not the only one. It just gives us more options. =) So glad you stopped by today!

Blessings!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Hi, Stephanie,

I haven't read anything from Victoria, but it sounds like she does a wonderful job at drawing you into her stories. I find I'm more of an emotion driven writer, drawing my readers that way.

It's such a gift to be able to use our talents to reach people. And fun. =)

Thanks for saying hello! If you win the copy of my book, i'd like to hear your thoughts.

Have a great weekend!

Tanya Eavenson said...

Deborah, It's been such a great experience, and yes, I'm so excited!

Thanks for coming by and entering to win my first giveaway. =)

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