Spotlight on Megan DiMaria and Searching for Spice

I am so happy today to spotlight, not only another friend, but also another fellow debut novelist AND an author who will be joining me for my very first book signing on April 12th! She's having a Book Launch party on the 10th then driving down here so she and I along with 2 other author friends can all sign together. We're looking forward to it!

Her book is so popular right from the start that there are only TWO left in stock at Amazon.com, with more coming. But that's a fantastic way of seeing what a great book this is.

And now, let's let you meet Megan (pronounced Mee-gan Dee-Ma-ree-a).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan DiMaria received her B.A. degree in Communications, with a specialization in Mass Media from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. She has been a radio and television reporter, a Web content editor, a contributing writer for local newspapers and has worked for a weekly newspaper. Megan has sold magazine articles locally and nationally. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers since January 2001, is a member of HIS Writers (Denver branch of ACFW) and is assistant director of Words for the Journey Rocky Mountain Region, a Denver-area writers group. She is an alumnus of the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference and the Glen Eyrie Writers Conference.

In her day job, she works in the marketing department of an upscale Denver portrait photography studio. She is also a freelance writer, crafting magazine articles and advertising copy. Her second novel, Out of Her Hands, will release from Tyndale in October 2008.

Megan and her husband Carl currently live in suburban Denver near their three adult children. They often travel back to their roots in Long Island, NY to visit family and get their fill of delicious Italian food.

To learn more about Megan and her books, visit her website at megandimaria.com or for more interactive information, stop by her blog at megandimaria.blogspot.com.

SEARCHING FOR SPICE
by Megan DiMaria
Published by Tyndale House

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this debut novel, readers will meet Linda Revere, a woman who longs to experience true romance with her nerdy, practical husband of twenty-four years. Her desire to add a little pizzazz to her marriage only confuses her husband and frustrates her. Linda struggles to ignite romance and excitement into her marriage amid the turmoil of contemporary life.

From the Back Cover

Linda Revere longs to have a sizzling affair . . . with her husband--a practical, no-nonsense community college science teacher. Unfortunately, life isnt scripted, and nothing goes according to plan. From having a demanding boss and at times a frustrating job, to helping her family and friends with their troubles, life seems to be preventing Linda from achieving her goal of an exciting and passionate marriage. Linda hopes God will answer her prayers to jazz up her marriage, but is she ready for what happens next?

Buy Your Copy Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. This is your debut novel. Congratulations! What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Thanks for hosting me, Tiff. Searching for Spice was written as a response to a running joke I had with some girlfriends. You know, despite being long married, women still want romance in their lives. God hard wired us to crave closeness and a special connection with the men we love. Unfortunately, some times we need to remind them of that. :)

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

My observations influenced my characters more than my own experiences. However, as far as the setting of Searching for Spice, anyone familiar with suburban Denver will recognize certain areas and establishments. My favorite local restaurant is in the book, but it's called the Gray Pony Inn. I've worked in two different photo studios and trained in a handful more. Dream Photography is 100% a figment of my imagination, and the references within the studio are industry-generic. In some ways I think we're all a little like my character, Linda. In our hearts we truly want to trust the Lord, but when difficulties arise we sometimes run ahead of our faith and try to "fix" things on our own. I've been told by some close friends that they believe my internal dialogue is similar to some of the things Linda thinks, although I've been told by many women my age that Linda's internal dialogue is similar to the way they think as well. What if very different between me and Linda is that she is a bit more patient than I am. I tend to speak my mind more quickly than she did in Searching for Spice.

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

Life is hard, and that’s a reality that must be accepted. We shouldn't be caught off guard when we hit a bump in the road. The biggest theme is to trust God despite what your circumstances look like. That was a lesson I had to learn during a difficult valley I walked through. At the time it looked like nothing good could come of that situation, but now I see the hand of God guided me. Equally important to me is the theme that marriage is valuable and precious and should not be lightly regarded. Another theme in the book shows that friendship is priceless and we should cherish the people in our lives.

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

I think the hardest parts to write were the ones that travelled toward deep emotions. I am too sympathetic toward the pain of others, and even though my characters are fictional, I felt sorry for the pain and trials they faced. My favorite parts of the story to write were the moments when Linda and Jerry really connected with one another.

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

My next book, Out of Her Hands, is scheduled to release this October. It has the same characters as Searching for Spice, but the focus is more on the relationships Linda and Jerry have with their children. Like many parents of young adults, the Reveres want their children to be careful about making decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. As usual, there is always more than one situation clamouring for Linda's attention. They're helping Jerry's father get on with life after he's widowed, Linda's best friend is moving out of state, and then their son decides he's falling in love, but the object of his affection doesn't share his Christian values.

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Thank you, Megan, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Searching for Spice.

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 they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

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CFBA Blog Tour - Robin Lee Hatcher and The Perfect Life

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Perfect Life
Thomas Nelson (February 5, 2008)
by Robin Lee Hatcher

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), the RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd's Voice), two RT Career Achievement Awards (Americana Romance and Inspirational Fiction), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie, named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She is passionate about the theater, and several nights every summer, she can be found at the outdoor amphitheater of the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, enjoying Shakespeare under the stars. She makes her home outside of Boise, sharing it with Poppet the high-maintenance Papillon.

She also likes to blog. Go leave her a comment at Write Thinking!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Katherine Clarkson has the perfect life. Married to Brad, a loving and handsome husband, respected in their church and the community. Two grown daughters on the verge of starting families of their own. A thriving ministry. Good friends. A comfortable life.

She has it all--until the day a reporter appears with shocking allegations. Splashed across the local news are accusations of Brad's financial impropriety at his foundation and worse, an affair with a former employee. Without warning, Katherine's marriage is shattered and her family torn apart. The reassuring words she's spoken to many brokenhearted women over the years offer little comfort now.

Her world spinning, Katherine wonders if she can find the truth in the chaos that consumes her. How can she survive the loss of what she thought was the perfect life?

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Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of this book. 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 'email follow-up comments' box when you leave a comment and fill in your email address there if it isn't already showing. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

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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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