Interview with Ralene Burke and #giveaway!!!

Today we welcome Ralene Burke to my blog. Ralene is very gracious to offer a copy of her new book Bellanok to one person who comments. Please leave contact information!  To enter answer the question in red below. 

Ralene, glad to have you stop by. Tell us about Bellanok – a brief blurb:

A haven for myths and legends . . . until evil discovers a way in.

With evil darkening the mountains to the north, the fairy queen, Fauna, must journey from the island realm of Bellanok to the modern world to find the man the Creator appointed to save their kingdom. A man she has been dreaming of her whole life.

Brian is a down-on-his-luck pastor on the verge of giving up on God. He's tired and frustrated--a failure. No sooner does he make a decision that jeopardizes his career than an unusual blonde woman shows up and tries to convince him he is some kind of savior.

Fauna must open Brian's eyes to a different reality, and Brian needs to embrace the haven's secrets. If neither of them succeeds, Bellanok will succumb to evil and the world will lose all trace of innocence.

Is there one particular message or “moral of the story” you hope readers walk away with?

I hope readers realize that God uses everyday people to do extraordinary things. If we turn our lives over to Him completely, we give Him the opportunity to work miracles in our lives and those around us.

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

What has God called you to do?

Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering. 

I’m offering a hard copy of Bellanok for one amazing reader!'

How did Bellanok get started?

Bellanok started with a prayer. I was finishing up one novel and trying to decide which of 2 other novel ideas I wanted to work on next. Of course, I went to the Master Storyteller to see what path He had for me. And, of course, it was something totally different! The title of Bellanok hit me first, then visions of this beautiful island, and then the amazing story … And it just wouldn’t let me go.

Tell us about your research process.

Well, given that I write fantasy, there wasn’t a whole lot of research. But I did talk to a couple of pastors and pastor’s wives to get an idea of some of their struggles and temptations. Also, I had to research a little into the lore of paladins. Fun stuff!

Really, much of my research is “on the go.” When I reach a question I can’t answer, that’s when I stop and start googling!

What impact did your research have on you personally?

I have much more sympathy and respect for pastors. Not that I didn’t already, but after talking to some of them more in depth, I have a new perspective. Also, seeing how God calls people and hearing their stories gives me hope for my life, my writing, and my calling! Did I mention God teaching me patience? Not that I struggle with that. At all. *whistles*

How do you see yourself in your character’s story, if at all?

In Bellanok, Brian struggles with how and if he is effecting the world around him. I struggle with much of the same fears. That I’m not doing enough, that I’m not making a difference in the world.

While you were writing Bellanok, do you think it mattered where the book was set?

Yes! Bellanok is a play on the term “beautiful night,” and is supposed to be the island in the middle of the Bermuda Triangle where God placed Eden. Then He took all the creatures we consider myths and legends and placed them on this island to be protected and cared for. It is—or was—untouched by sin and was perfect. Until evil found a way in …

I don’t think setting the story anywhere else would have had the same effect. How would it have realistically been so out of touch with the real world?

Whether she’s wielding a fantasy writer’s pen, a social media wand, or a freelance editor’s sword, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer’s world. And her goal is to help everyone SHINE BEYOND! She has worked for a variety of groups, including Realm Makers, The Christian PEN, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and for several freelance clients. Her novel, Bellanok, is available on Amazon, and her next one from Elk Lake Publishing will be out September 2017!

When her head’s not in the publishing world, she is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . .

You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or at her website.

Social media and buying links

FB, Instagram, Twitter, and website are in my bio. But here’s buy link:

Bellanok Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Bellanok-Reluctant-Savior-Ralene-Burke-ebook/dp/B01MG4OPEB/