Spotlight on Kim Vogel Sawyer and My Heart Remembers

For those waiting to hear the winners of the past few spotlights, I'll have them all announced later today. Working under a book deadline, I got a mite bit backed up and behind in getting out those announcements. Thanks for your patience. Be sure to check the last 6 spotlights to see if you've won. And if you haven't entered, you still have time today.

Now, for this spotlight, I have the pleasure of sharing with you a dear friend who has been an encouragement and inspiration to me for many years. She has overcome quite a lot in her career and become a featured author on endcaps and spotlighted shelves in bookstores nationwide. I just know you're going to love Kim as much as I do.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Vogel Sawyer has dreamed of being an author since her earliest memories. Seeing her books in print is sometimes still too good to be true. In addition to her writing ministry, Kim travels to women's groups to share her testimony of God's miraculous hand of healing in her life--both physically and emotionally. She sees a correlation between the writing of a good story and God's good plan for every life, and she hopes her stories encourage readers to seek God's will in their own personal lives.

MY HEART REMEMBERS
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Published by Bethany House Publishers

Buy Your Copy Today!

ABOUT THE BOOK

United by blood, divided by time, will three orphan train siblings ever find one another again? Orphaned in a tenement fire, three Irish-immigrant children are sent to Missouri to be adopted. Despite eight-year-old Maelle's desperate attempts to keep her siblings together, each child is taken by a different family. Yet Maelle vows that she will never stop searching for her brother and sister...and that they will be together one day in the future. Seventeen years later, Maelle is still searching. But the years have washed away her hope... and her memories. What are Mattie and Molly doing now? Where has life taken them? Will she ever see her brother and sister again?

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is a new book separate from your previous series books, and one that's already been named a CBD best-seller as well as a Crossings Book Club selection. I LOVE the cover and the premise. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

This story was inspired by my dear stepgrandmother, who rode an orphan train to a new family when she was very young. Her search for "family" is represented through the characters of Maelle, Mattie, and Molly.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the characters of Emily and Matthew? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

Maelle is much gutsier than I have ever been (lol), but we do have one thing in common--we both had a childhood scar to overcome before we could find peace in adulthood. God has a way of bringing healing when we trust Him. I admire Maelle's perseverance in the face of hopelessness, as well as her courage. She was something of a maverick, and she made it work.

3. What themes exist in My Heart Remembers that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I believe there is a universal desire to belong...somewhere. Kids who don't feel loved and accepted at home try to find a place of belonging in gangs or cults or other inappropriate settings. There is one place each of us can belong, and that is in God's family. I hope that theme comes through. The theme that slipped in as I wrote is that God has plans for us, and when we seek His leading, "all things work together for good." That was a great reminder for me. :)

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

This was the hardest book I've written to date. Trying to make each character strong enough to stand out, and weaving their storylines...overlapping but not crossing...was quite a challenge! Some of my favorite parts included Petey, the little street urchin (but I'm such a softie when it comes to kids...). I can't say my other favorite parts without giving key elements of the story away! LOL!

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

I'm delighted that in August, readers will get to revisit the community of Gaeddert from my first Bethany House historical, Waiting for Summer's Return. The sequel to Summer's story, titled Where the Heart Leads, features a grown-up Thomas Ollenburger who has a college diploma in hand...but isn't sure how God wants him to use it. I had such fun going back to Gaeddert and peeking in at Peter, Summer, and Thomas again.

Thanks muchly for the opportunity to visit with you, Tiff!

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Thank *you*, Kim, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of My Heart Remembers.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net) or that it's available for viewing in your blogger profile. Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:" when you leave a comment and type the email address where you'd like them sent. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to U.S. residents only.

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Promises, Promises is Here!! Purchase Today!

I am so excited, I can hardly sit still.

I just received word that my book is now available through the Heartsong Presents web site.

If you are a Heartsong Club member, you will be receiving your February shipment shortly which will include my book with the other 3. If you are not a member and would like to join, just visit the web site for club information.

You can also purchase my book through this site using the Signed by the Author link below my book. The only 'drawback' to that option is that it does not count toward my total sales as I have to purchase the book myself through the publisher.

www.ambermiller.com/books.html

Look on this page for the updated information and both options for purchasing my first book. The first through Heartsong Presents will not provide you with an autographed copy. But you can send your book to me and request an autograph. I only ask that you include a postage-paid envelope for return shipping. Use the Contact Form to inquire about the address once you have a copy of my book that you would like signed.

The second option of SignedbytheAuthor.com provides you with an autographed copy. The cost of the book is higher because I have to provide the packaging.

So, 2 ways to order, and 2 easy ways to get an autographed copy of my book. Come May or June, the book will also be available on Amazon.com.

And now I have to figure out a way to get some sleep tonight while I finish working on my book 3 deadline. It won't be easy with my wanting to dance for joy and shout thanks to God for this dream come true!

It will only get better!

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I Sold Another Book! ~~ Read Chapter 1 of Promises, Promises

God is so awesome. Words can hardly describe it.

Most authors know you are only as good as your next book. Well, I have been approaching the deadline for book 3 (due Feb. 15th) in the Delaware Brides series, and that would bring me to the end of my contracted books. Although I put my career in God's hands long ago, that small 'fear' still lingers when you don't have another book waiting to be written when you finish the current one.

As usual, God proved His almighty grace and favor to me last week.

About a month ago, my editor asked me to send in proposals for up to 6 states she was still looking to contract. I selected 3 of those 6 and put together story sets for each one. Then, it was wait time while my editor reviewed the stories to see if she'd like more from any 1 of them.

A week and a half ago, she asked for a full synopsis for one story set in historical Michigan. So, I expanded on what I had previously sent and submitted it to her last week. Friday morning, I received an email from her saying she thought it was a great idea and if it's suitable for me, we'll proceed with the aforementioned contract schedule and book deadlines!

I couldn't have been more excited to receive that email! Now, as I put the finishing touches on book 3, I have the great opportunity to move into another series and jump forward over 100 years in American history. This time, the focus is Detroit during the Industrial Revolution following the Civil War and leading into what made Detroit the motor city that it is.

This means by the end of 2009, I'll have at least 7 books in print!! Woo-hoo!!

So, never doubt the calling God has on your life. If He called you to it, He'll also bring you through it. Time and time again, He's proven that to me...and He'll do the same for you.

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Now, for those who wish to read the first chapter of my book releasing this month, go to the Books page and click on the link below the synopsis. Enjoy and happy reading!

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Family Photos, Christmas and Snow!

I know I'm a little late with these, but some folks are still feeling the leftover remnants of the Christmas spirit, so I'm going to share these while it's still timely.

My family visited last week for 5 days so some of these pix are of them. The others from Christmas are of my in-laws, or second family. Gotta admit, having an extended family here in Colorado has made the move and transition after marriage so much easier. It's like I didn't lose anything, only gained, when I moved.

Christmas this year was a WHITE one. The first white Christmas I've seen in probably 15 years. Sure, it's snowed near the day, but not ON the day. This year, we got about 6 inches and it fell at varying speeds almost all day. Provided some very nice pictures as you can see:

Here is the direct link to view the full album online:

Colorado Christmas 2007

For the family visit, we toured the Royal Gorge in Canon City, Colorado, spent time touring new homes as part of the search upon which Stuart and I are embarking, visited Denver to see Invesco Field at Mile-High as well as the Aquarium and took the Cog Railway to the top of Pike's Peak. Here are some pictures from those adventures.

Family Visits Colorado

I guess that's all for now. My first book releases in February, so I'm gearing up for a short blog tour on many other web sites. I'll also be starting monthly giveaways to those who enter the contests starting in February, so stay tuned for lots of new and exciting things coming down the pike...in addition to the continuation of weekly blog spotlights with FREE book giveaways.

Thanks for your continued support. I wouldn't be where I am without you!

My First Book Update!

The time is drawing near. My very first solo book releases in February of 2008. That's just 2 months away. *bites nails* How am I ever going to get everything done in time? There's marketing, publicity, edits on book 2, cover information on book 3, finishing book 3, getting through the Christmas season, hosting my family visiting in January and starting to look for a new house with my husband.

Yikes!

Days like these make me wonder about being an author, but then I recall the joy I get from crafting a story with words and bringing life to characters through the written word so that others might enjoy them. That along with knowing that I might make readers smile, cry, laugh or have a turning point in their lives because of something I wrote...and it's all worthwhile -- even the pressure and stress. :)

Another part that's fantastic is getting interviewed and spotlighted, just like I spotlight so many authors here. My turn is coming. Patience and perserverance have paid off.

The first of my interviews has been posted, with more to come:

My Interview in the ACFW e-zine Afictionado
http://www.acfw.com/ezine/cgi-bin/nov07.pl?record=4

But most importantly....

I HAVE A COVER!

The book releases in February to the Heartsong Presents book club. That's a guaranteed reader base that's almost worldwide. From there, it makes its way into the databases of Amazon.com, Christianbook.com, retail stores and many other outlets for sale. That will happen in April or sooner if my publisher can get the information circulating in time.

Thanks to fellow authors, I am going to be involved in a multi-author booksigning the first part of next year, then I fly back East toward the end of the year for another signing there, where my books are set.

This is going to change my life, but it's a welcome change. Before long, and once we're in our new house, I might have another change that involves a little addition...but we'll see what happens. :) For now, I have more than enough to keep me out of trouble -- or in trouble -- whatever the case may be!