Sarah's Sin by Teresa Slack: Promotion!

I've read some of Teresa's books, and she's a great writer. Be sure to note the contest details

below! Now about Teresa and her book:

 

 

Teresa Slack spent most of her writing career focused on novels. Her first, Streams of Mercy, won the 2005 Bay Area Independent Publishers Award for Best First Fiction. Her latest novel, Runaway Heart, was published in February and is available for purchase as an e-book by Helping Hands Press.


(book link: http://www.amazon.com/Runaway-Heart-ebook/dp/B00BCA1WO0/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1367790471&sr=1-2&keywords=teresa+slack) But she’s recently discovered writing short stories is a whole lot of fun.

Just in time for Mother’s Day—a very unconventional Mother’s Day story

M is for the many things she gave me.

O means only that she’s growing old

T is for the tears she shed...

Okay, so not every mother inspires songs, poems, or roses named after her. Some mothers are hard to honor, and even harder to love.

All Sarah McWhorter ever wanted was her mother’s love and respect. She learned early in life her mother wasn’t the classic June-Cleaver type who baked cookies and bandaged scraped knees and kissed away bad dreams. She also suspected the fault lay with a sin Sarah didn’t understand—a sin that kept her mother from loving her.

The story of Sarah’s birth is a family scandal everyone knows but no one talks about. Now Mom is dying, and Sarah hopes to repair their relationship before it’s too late. Regardless of the cost, Sarah must know if it’s too late to earn her mother’s love. Unfortunately the truth might be too painful to bear. Or worse, Mom truly despises her for the sin she represents, and Mother and Daughter, so much alike, are too broken to be fixed.

Check out Teresa's short stories and other titles on her Amazon author page (author page link: http://www.amazon.com/Teresa-D.-Slack/e/B001JP0MQ2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0) and wherever books are sold. Learn more about Teresa and her writing on her FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Teresa-Slack/121975854648100?fref=ts and at http://www.teresaslack.com

 

Everyone who leaves a comment here will be entered for a chance to win one of 5 e-copies of Sarah's Sin.

 

 

 

Blessings!

Meet My Wonderful Writing Friend
Teresa Slack

THREE BOOK GIVEAWAY!

What to do?

Let Teresa and me know why she should write a suspense novel set in YOUR state (and if you live in Ohio, then tell her why she should get her currect work in progress done so that you can read it!) Make sure you leave your email address so that I can contact you when/if you win.

Now read on for a look into Teresa's writing life . . .


How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

First of all, Carole, let me say thanks for allowing me the opportunity to get acquainted with your readers. I have loved to write as long as I can remember. I couldn’t not do it. As far as I’m concerned when something is a passion, a burden if you will, that won’t let you go, God has great things in store for that passion. It’s almost a sin to let it go to waste.

What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

I write in several genres, but my favorite is romantic suspense. Suspense comes easier for me, but everything is better with an element of romance added in. In suspense, the hero is in imminent danger whereas a mystery is usually a puzzle that needs solved. In romantic suspense, the heroine should fall in love, and perhaps trip over a dead body or two along the way.

How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

This changes often and depends on what else is going on. Right now I’m working fulltime and won’t be able to dedicate as much time to writing as I normally do. When I am working on a novel I must set a word count for myself or I won’t accomplish a thing. Last year I joined a writing challenge and completed 52K in 30 days. Otherwise I fritter away my writing time. It helps if I’m accountable to someone, even a self-imposed deadline.

Tell us about your new book. What is the spiritual message in it? What can readers expect to get from reading it? How and where can readers buy your book?

I am currently working on a novel that takes place on a remote Ohio farmhouse during the Great Blizzard of 1978. The story explores the spiritual inheritance we leave behind. It is easy to think we are a certain kind of person. But often our words and actions reveal a totally different persona to the world. After we’re gone there are no do-over’s. No second chances to show people our true self.

It is my hope that by reading the book, readers will ask themselves what inheritance they are preparing for the world. What will our loved ones say about us as they gather around our graveside? What about our coworkers or neighbors? Will they remember our generosity and love for God and all his creation? Or will they remember the times we lost our temper over small matters and lied to the boss to stay out of trouble?

Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?

I often envy people with regular jobs and steady paychecks who get to leave their work behind every day when they clock out. Writers don’t have that luxury. We’re working, even when we’re not working. It is a very discouraging business.

I am currently between writing contracts. I sometimes wonder why I keep writing when there are so many people out there doing what I want to do, and possibly doing it a whole lot better. It seems when I get the most discouraged and considering chucking it all and getting a regular job, the Lord puts someone in my path to encourage me. Someone at church will tell me they’ve been praying for my writing. Or I will get an email from a reader. Today someone told me at the voting polls that they had just finished reading my books and loved them.

I think of how most actors and celebrities started out on a level playing field. Some became megastars like Tom Hanks, while others like Peter Scolari—his costar in Bosom Buddies—struggled to find work after a few years in Hollywood. Why do some enjoy incredible success while others are lucky to get a guest appearance in CSI, International Falls?

Let’s face it. A lot of it is dumb luck. Some is connections. Then you have talent, timing, an awesome publicist, hard work, and more dumb luck. Do the non-working actors not consider themselves actors because they aren’t as well known as Kate Hudson? Of course not. They keep working on their craft through the discouraging times as well as when everything seems to fall into place. If you want something bad enough, you’ll do what it takes to achieve it.

I won’t let the fact that I may not become a Tom Hanks keep me from pursuing my dreams.

Would you explain how you “chose” (or were chosen by) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success you’ve experienced?

I did a lot of research before I ever submitted to the first publisher. I went through the same thing when I was shopping for an agent. I wanted someone who shared my goals and vision for my books and my career. I don’t think anyone can afford to sit back and relax anymore. Having been published before has helped me get a foot in the door, but when it comes down to getting a new book contract it takes the same hard work and tenacity as the first book.

Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could?

I love:

• dark chocolate,
• shoe sales,
• brand new notebooks,
• movie theater popcorn,
• and Tina Fey.

My hobbies aren’t very exciting:

• reading,
• spending time with my grandkids,
• walking the dogs,
• and knitting.

If money were no object I would circle the globe. I love seeing new places and meeting new people. If I could only pick one place I would visit Greece.

Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Writing a book is hard enough, but letting the world know you wrote a book is a job that never ends.

• Readers are welcome to visit my website http://www.teresaslack.com/ to find out more about me and my books.
• I am woefully behind in posting to my two writing blogs.
• I try to update my Facebook status every day or so. Like everything else writing related, I hope to catch up over the next few weeks.

In the meantime check out my books. If they aren’t in stock at your local library or bookstore, just ask and they’ll get them for you. Of course they are available 24-hours a day online.

Thank you so much for visiting today, Teresa. Folks, she's a talented and wonderful writer! Please leave your comment for a chance to win these books!

Blessings!

EASTER GIVEAWAY WINNERS!

WHOOOEEE! I'm thrilled at all your responses, and I want you to know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Having said that, not everyone can win, so I made sure to pray and ask God to guide in the choosing of those who win a gift. May you be blest while you enjoy your gift.

AND, sh!!!!

It's not announced yet, but I heard that there's another BIG giveaway in the makings. It will be announced in the near future . . .

Now, on to the winners:

• "A Tender Reed" by Teresa Slack:  PriviesAnd Prims!
• "Me, Just Different" by Stephanie Morrill:  Tahnee Andrews
• A five page critique from "Mentor's Pen" by Christy Miller:  Holly
• One T-shirt from Michele Levigne: Benita
• One T-shirt from Michele Levigne: Paris
• $20 gift certificate from Amazon: Abi

All you winners will also receive a pen and bubble gum, courtesy of Michele Levigne! 

Blessings to all.

Teresa Slack's Interview

It's such a privilege to welcome and introduce another writer this month to my blog and to you, my dear readers. I love doing this. First because it's lots of fun to learn about other writers, their achievements, desires, and how their efforts have paid off in books! Secondly, it's a chance for them to get more publicized and that is valuable to a writer!

So, readers, check out Teresa's books--if you haven't already!

Now on to the interview . . .

Caroline: How long have you known that you were a writer? Did you receive a clear “call?” Or have you just loved writing all your life?

Teresa: Great question, Caroline. At school, I used to walk down the hallways between class scribbling in a notebook. The other kids would say, “Here she comes. Get out of the way.” But I didn’t really think I would make writing a career. Everyone knows there’s no money in it. Christian fiction is an answer to prayer. I can do what I love and share my faith with readers at the same time.

Caroline: What is the genre you write in? Would you explain what it is?

Teresa: Right now, I’m all over the board, which I know isn’t necessarily a good thing in building a career. I am currently working on a romance. I’ve written suspense and mysteries as well. I try to incorporate a little romance, a little mystery and a little humor into everything I write.

Caroline: How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it takes you to write a novel?

Teresa: When I am working on a first draft, I try to write very quickly with little or no editing. Just get the story down. I strive for a minimum of 4000 words a day. I consider it a good day if I reach 5 or 6. My personal best is over 7000, which I’ve only done 2 or 3 times. If I really focus on the book and plant my rear in my chair, I can write two books a year.

Caroline: What is the spiritual message in your latest book? What can readers expect to get from reading it?

Teresa: My hope is that readers will understand that God is on the throne, regardless of our circumstances. Sometimes we think we’ve done everything right, yet our life is still a mess. We even believe that we deserve better. But God is still God. His grace is sufficient to see us through our journey, no matter what we’ve done or failed to do.

Caroline: You recently had another book published. Would you take this time to describe it to us? How and where can readers buy your books?

Teresa: The Ultimate Guide to Darcy Carter was published in September, ’06. According to a recent review in Christian Library Journal, reading it was likened to being on vacation. The reviewer even said that like a vacation, the book ended too soon. I loved that analogy. It is a fun read.

Darcy Carter is the author of 20 Ultimate Guide books, earning herself the title of America’s Ultimate Guide Girl. She’s an expert on everything except her own life. When her editor suggests she write, The Ultimate Guide to Finding Mr. Right, she wants no part of it. Why write a book about someone who doesn’t exist? So Darcy flees to NC to research one last ultimate guide book and hopefully find out where the discontentment with her life is coming from.

All my books are available at any bookstore. If one isn’t in stock, just ask and they’ll get it for you. Remember to support your local independent bookseller. If that isn’t possible, you can find the books anywhere online.

Caroline: Where do you get ideas? Character names? Do you find your characters similar to you in any way?

Teresa: I find inspiration from everyday things. This may sound morbid but I love cemeteries. I walk my dogs in the one next to my house. As I read the headstones I imagine the story behind each name. I probably get more inspiration over Memorial Day weekend than any other time of the year. Ideas are everywhere. A recurring character from my Jenna’s Creek Series came from a line in an old country music song. Like ideas, I collect names from everywhere. I watch the credits at the ends of movies and read the backs of athletes during sporting events. I’ve even gone through the phone book in moments of desperation.

All writers are egomaniacs, and it is impossible to keep your characters totally separate from yourself. I try to keep my personal habits and quirks out of my characters, but it’s hard. Most of my characters worry about their weight and if they’re going to have a good hair day because that’s usually on my mind and the minds of most women I know.

Caroline: Do you ever feel like giving up? Most people don’t understand the stress, the work, and the joy of being a writer. How tenuous becoming a writer is. Do you care to share how it feels, what discouraging/encouraging times you’ve gone through? Who’s inspired you the most?

Teresa: Almost every time I’m working on a book and it isn’t coming along the way I want, I think about quitting. I say to myself, “If I finish this book, I’m never starting another one.” I could spend the rest of my life marketing the books I’ve already written. But if I did that, I know the voices in my head wouldn’t leave me alone. I love writing, and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

I am thankful for the online writing groups I belong to. My family and friends are great, and they’ve been supportive from the beginning, but I think only other writers can truly understand what this business is like.

My long-suffering husband is my biggest cheerleader. One Christmas Eve I got a rejection letter in the mail. He has seen enough of those packages to know what it was so he hid it until after Christmas. He knows if he comes home to a crying wife it’s been a bad writing day. If he comes home to a happy wife and frozen pizza for dinner, it’s been a good day.





Caroline: Would you roughly explain how you “chose” (or was chosen) a publisher? Do you just go “inny, minny, miny, moe?” Grin. Now, that you’re published, can you sit back and relax from the success of your first one?

Teresa: I found my publisher through an online search for Christian publishers. Finding them was almost a fluke since they really weren’t accepting manuscripts at that time. Every time I send out a ms, I get nervous and anxious all over again. I have more confidence in my writing than in the beginning, but I think it’s a mistake for a writer to ever believe, “I’ve arrived. I can write whatever I want and I know they’ll buy it.” The world is full of excellent writers, many of whom haven’t been published yet. It’s highly competitive, even for published writers. We must keep growing and honing our skills.

Caroline: Do you mind telling us some of your likes and dislikes? Hobbies, interests? Where would you like to travel if you could? Etc.

Teresa: I am a big believer in pet rescue and adoption. I would love to see every pet in America spayed or neutered. It breaks my heart to see a dog tied up in someone’s backyard. That dog wants to be part of the family.

• I hate paying over $3 for a gallon of gas. Actually I hate paying $2.

• I love ice cream and Herr’s barbeque potato chips but not together.

• I love walking into the sanctuary on Sunday morning.

• Pre-schoolers are my favorite group of people.

• I love to read.

• I love to crochet. I’ve tried to teach myself how to knit, but can’t figure it out.

• I have never been on a cruise but would love to. My first port of call would be Alaska. My husband and I are talking about a side trip to Jackson Hole, WY during the next ICRS in Denver, CO. I would love to go to the Holy Land.
  

• I love to sit on a rocky cliff and watch the water crash against the shore, although in southern Ohio, that doesn’t happen often.

• I love the smell of old books.
  

Caroline: Would you give us your blog or webpage so everyone can check it out? Anything else you’d like to share? Promotional information?

Teresa: I am currently working on a short romance that will be paired with one by author Molly Noble Bull. We are both hoping to see the book released in ’08. To learn more about me and my books, check out my webpage www.teresaslack.com and read my blog at www.teresaslack.blogspot.com

Thanks so much for allowing me the chance to meet your readers. I hope to do it again someday.

Wasn't that interesting? Thank you, Teresa, for taking the time to be with us! We wish you the very best. And, hey, you all, Teresa lives within an hour's drive of me.

A couple of things to take note of:

1. A Father's Day contest begins Tuesday, next week. Look for it!
2. We've got several guest writer interviewees lined up for the coming months. Watch for them! And read their books. We heartily recommend reading christian fiction!
3. My writing conference--American Christian Fiction Writers--is coming up in September. Don't forget to say a prayer for me that I'll meet the editor, and agent, that God would have for my writing. Thanks!
4. Thank you, for your comments, emails, cards, and phone calls! They mean so much--more than I can ever show! Love you all.
   

Quote:
Sucess is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm. --Winston Churchhill


Blessings and have a tremendously wonderful weekend!