Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Author Spotlight with Allison Pittman

It gives me enormous pleasure to introduce Allison Pittman on the SST blog today, and she is no stranger to fans of Christian Historical Fiction. For those of you that follow awards and such, Allison recently won a Carol Award at the ACFW conference for another one of her books, Stealing Home (which is also a very good book, I might add).  I recently had the opportunity to read her latest book, For Time and Eternity, and it is not a book to be missed. We’re gonna talk about all sorts of things today, including her latest book. Stay tuned at the end for something special!
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Welcome, Allison!

Every writer’s journey begins differently. When did you know that God had a plan for you to become an author?

My desire to write has always been a part of me, and I’ll never forget the Sunday when I saw a line in our church bulletin inviting anybody interested in forming a writing group. I knew I wanted to write, but I had no idea what I wanted to write. Then, at a writers conference, I won a copy of Lynn Austen’s Daughters of Eve. I’d never read any Christian fiction since Christy in 7th grade, and the minute I lost myself in that story, I knew that was my calling. Before that, I’d never pictured myself as a novelist. God spoke to me through that book so, so clearly. After that I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else.

If you didn’t have a fabulous career as an author, what would your dream job be and why?

Wow, I feel so overwhelmed with blessings to be able to do this, I can’t even imagine…but OK. I would actually love to be the ride operator at the Golden Age of Hollywood ride at Disney’s MGM Studios Theme Park.

How much of your own personal experiences do you write into your books?

I suppose that varies from book to book. I don’t bring a lot of actual experiences into my stories, but I will say that many of my personal fears and insecurities and weaknesses are spread throughout the pages. It is so much fun to infuse characters with the strength I too often lack. I will say, though, that several—if not most—of my supporting characters are lifted right out of my life. If friends and family could see themselves through my eyes, they’d totally see themselves in the story. Luckily my mind is twisted just enough to grant some anonymity.

Tell us about today’s featured book.

All Camilla Deardon knows of the Mormons camping nearby is the songs she hears floating on the breeze. Then she meets one of them-a young man named Nathan Fox. Never did she imagine he would be so handsome, so charming, especially after Mama and Papa's warnings to stay away. Though she knows she should obey her parents, Camilla can't refuse her heart. But even Nathan's promises cannot prepare her for what she will face in Utah.

Your latest book is on the sensitive topic of polygamy. Is the subject of polygamy something that you ever thought you’d write about?

Honestly, it wasn’t even a bleep on my mental radar until my editors at Tyndale approached me with the idea. And, the moment they did, the character of Nathan Fox came to me—fully formed. I knew, too, that this needed to be a love story, with polygamy being the tragic element, not the focus. I didn’t want the polygamy storyline to overshadow Camilla’s spiritual journey. Theirs is a marriage that gets blindsided and invaded by an enemy in the form of false teaching. But, really, any marriage today is just as vulnerable to such destruction.

Diane Noble is another Christian author who has recently written a novel on this same topic. Do you think Christian novels that tell stories about polygamy are a new genre that’s on the horizon?

The whole idea of plural marriage is so dark and bizarre and fascinating. It’s everywhere now, isn’t it? Amazing how, in just over a year, we all looked on in horror at the FLDS sect, shaking our heads and thinking Those poor, poor women. And now HBO has its series Big Love and TLC has a polygamous reality show, and we’ve taken on this odd voyeuristic stand. It’s a tough issue to tackle without buying into the titillating scandalous nature of it, so if polygamy itself is the center of the story, then I think we need to be cautious. My objective is to create compelling, interesting characters who happen to live in a time and place where this practice is tolerated. My series centers on one family. Now, the rise of the Mormon church is a fascinating time in our nation’s history, and for that I’d like to see it explored, but polygamy itself was practiced by a very small percentage of Mormons. To saturate the market with these stories, I think, would misrepresent its prevalence and glamorize it beyond what it deserves.

I felt so proud of Camilla when she began to discover the differences between the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Why did the Mormon leaders in your book place so little emphasis on the Bible, and even go so far as to say parts of it were untrue?

That goes back to their belief in the testimony of Joseph Smith. In his revelation, Joseph Smith was told that the Holy Scriptures were incomplete, and he was given a new testament of Jesus Christ. They believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and even that his death was done to atone sin, but they hold that the ensuing generations did not establish the church he intended, and Joseph Smith was chosen to establish that church. Mormons believe the Bible is true, but some verses were either interpreted/translated incorrectly, or that their meaning has changed in light of this new revelation. While Christians know the Word of God to be timeless in the fact that it is unchanging, Mormons believe that God’s word changes with a constant influx of new prophecy.

Readers have to wait until next year to see the Camilla’s story continue (personally, I don’t know how I’ll be able to stand it). Are you able to give a sneak peek at what book 2, Forsaking All Others, will be about?

In deference to those who might not have read For Time and Eternity (yet…), I’ll say that the second book calls for Camilla to face the consequences of her choices in the first book. One new element introduced, however, is the presence of the United States Army, as our government was very much poised to wage war with the Mormons in light of Brigham Young’s established theocracy. See? That’s the interesting history I mentioned earlier.

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your novels?

My greatest hope is a simple one: I hope they enjoyed the story. And, I always try to structure my stories so that, even after “The End,” there’s just a tad bit more left to tell. I like to imagine my readers crafting their own epilogues.

Where can readers find you on the web?

They can go to my website, http://www.allisonpittman.com/. And, I’m a huge facebook junkie. I’d love to have them “Like” my Allison Pittman Author Page.

Allison, thank you so much for chatting with me today! It’s been such an honor, and I hope you’ll stop by again in the future!
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Now, for the big surprise!

I have one copy of For Time and Eternity to give to one special person.  If you'd like to be signed up to win, please leave a comment with your email address to enter.  If you do not leave your email address, your comment will not be counted.  The giveaway starts today and goes through Friday, October, 15th.   

Here's a few ways you can earn extra entries!

+1 - Be a follower of my blog or become one.

+2 - Grab my button code for your blog.

+3 - Post about this giveaway on your blog.

+4 - Head over to Allison's website (link is up there in the interview), and tell me which of her books you'd love to read, if you haven't already. *grin*

Please leave one comment per entry including any and all extra entries...much easier for me to keep up with!  :o) 

Giveaway open to US residents only.  Void where prohibited.  Odds of winning are based upon number of entrants.

56 comments:

  1. I have read some of Allison's previous books and enjoyed them.
    I just became a follower too
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  2. I would love to win this book. I read all her her previous books.

    vernetlh(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  3. I enjoyed getting to know you, Allison, and learning about your writing journey. Would love to win a copy of "For Time and Eternity." This sounds like a great read. Thank you, Christy, for this opportunity.

    patjeannedavis[at]verizon[dot]net

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  4. I visited Allison's website and would also like to read "Stealing Home. Congratulations on winning the Carol Award for long historical, Allison.

    patjeannedavis[at]verizon[dot]net

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  5. Thank you, Pat! I was so excited to win the Carol for Stealing Home (if I may detract just a bit from my current book :)) Just like we do our children, giving each of them a special place, I do the same with each of my books. For example, I think "For Time and Eternity" is my most theologically IMPORTANT book, as it depicts truth in the face of a specific, pervasive lie. "The Bridegrooms" is my most FUN book, because it has some true, wacky joy. And "Stealing Home" is the book of my HEART. I feel more personally connected to the character of Morris than any of my other characters.

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  6. For Time and Eternity sounds like a book told from a unique point of view. Please enter me!

    srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

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  7. I am following your blog in my Google reader!

    srfbluemama[at]gmail[dot]com

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  8. I'd love to win For Time and Eternity!
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

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  9. I just became a follower.
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

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  10. I visited Allison's website and thought all her books sounded interesting. I think I'd pick the first one in the series.
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

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  11. Please enter me
    bkhabel at gmail dot com

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  12. +1 I follow on GFC
    bkhabel at gmail dot com

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  13. I really want to read this book. I love Allison, and honestly, I am fascinated with all things Mormon, probably because I have a zillion in-laws who are Mormon and my husband is an ex-Mormon. :)

    joyfulhutch[at]msn[dot]com

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  14. I would love to win Time & Eternity. I really believe with the trend of glamourizing this the church needs to show it as it really is/was. Sadly, although the Mormon church denies it, it IS the origins of the church.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. GFC follower

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  16. I would like to read several of Allison's books. Stealing Home and The Crossroads of Grace series all sound fantastic. Thanks for the invite, Christy. I loved reading this interview.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. I'd love to win this book thanks.
    I'm a follower through gfc
    The Bridegrooms looks like an interesting book.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  18. I would love to be entered, thank you!

    caseymh18(@)gmail.com

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  19. I really would love to read this book. Please enter me.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  20. This book intrigues me. Please enter me.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  21. I'm a GFC follower.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dto com

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  22. Any of her books--haven't read any so far. Usually I like to start at the beginning.

    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  23. I cannot imagine falling in love with someone, following them and then finding out that he has "other wives"? I would love to read this book!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  24. I am a follower!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  25. I would love to read "Saturday's with Stella"!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  26. Hey!
    I would LOVE to be entered for this giveaway : )

    It was a really good interview. I've never heard of this author before so it would be great to branch out...
    Thanks!
    Hannah
    hccelie[at]gmail[dot]com

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  27. I visited the website too : )

    Saturdays with Stella looks cute! But Stealing Home sounds great too!!

    Thanks so much for introducing this new author to me : )

    Hannah
    hccelie[at]gmail[dot]com

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  28. Michelle--you are so sweet! My hubby's an ex-Mormon (MnM...Mormon no More), too.
    And, I'd like to address what Julia said about the glamourization of polygamy of late...it's almost as if the Mormon church is capitalizing on our national moral decline. They have always viewed the practice as religious freedom, and the current generation of polygamists want to represent it as a "lifestyle choice." Even within a false religion, there's a drifting away from spiritual commitment.

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  29. Lovely book--please put me in the drawing.
    +1 because I also followed your blog!
    Thank you,
    Ellen C Maze
    ellenmaze at aol dot com

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  30. thanks for the chance to read this novel...

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  31. Great giveaway! Please enter me.

    kate[at]parchmentgirl[dot]com

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  32. I'm a follower. = )

    kate[at]parchmentgirl[dot]com

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  33. Oh wow! I've heard of both this book and Diane's book that you mentioned and I'm very curious about them! I would love to be entered! I've read ALL of Allison's fiction books except for this so it's the one I want to read most LOL!

    Thanks Christy and Allison! :-)
    +1 follower
    +2 Blog button
    +3 posted giveaway on right side bar of my blog

    XOXO~ Renee
    steelergirl83(at)gmail(dot)com

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  34. Allison and her writings are unfamiliar to me and I would like to learn more about her by reading this current book. Reading about different faith practices is fascinating to me. Thank you for this giveaway and the chance to win it. I hope I do.

    Sharing God's Love,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  35. I am a GFC follower and new to this blog. I've enjoyed looking around. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win this book. I hope I do.

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  36. I would like to read this book. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  37. Wow this book sounds great.
    montysfund@yahoo.com

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  38. Thanks for the opportunity to win Allison's book!

    charsaltz (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  39. I am a new follower :)

    charsaltz (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  40. All the books on Allison's site win me over!!!!

    charsaltz (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  41. I haven't read any of Allison's books yet, so I hope I win this.
    sonflower277 at gmail dot com

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  42. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  43. I would love to win this for my daughter, as this is definitely her cup of tea!

    Julie @ Knitting and Sundries

    knittingandsundries(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. I'm a new follower on GFC! (jewelknits)

    Julie @ Knitting and Sundries

    knittingandsundries(at)gmail(dot)com

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  45. This looks interesting! shondaet@gmail.com

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  46. I'm a new follower. shondaet@gmail.com

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  47. Oh, I'd love to win Allison's book thanks


    +1 - I'm a follower of your blog

    +3 - Posted about this giveaway in my left side bar.

    +4 - Love to read any of the sister books. thanks

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  48. This has been on my TBR pile since I heard about it! Please enter me - I would love to read it :)

    ksmiley2[at]kent[dot]edu

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  49. "For Time and Eternity sound wonderful.Please enter me in the giveaway. augustlily06(AT)aim(DOT)com.Thank you.

    now following Southern Sassy Things +1
    +4 THE books I love to read
    are The Crossroads of Grace series

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  50. I would love to win!

    kathrynbaby2004@yahoo.com

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  51. I'd love a chance at winning! scrappydesigns at gmail dot com

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  52. I haven't read any of Allison's books, but this books sound like a fantastic read! sunrutsw at gmail dot com

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  53. I am happy for another chance to win Allison's great book. I posted about this giveaway on barbjan10blog.

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  54. I visited Allisons site and looked around, enjoying what I found. I would like to read her book "Ten Thousand Charms." The story appeals to me. Thanks for the giveaway and a chance to win.

    Blessings,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  55. This sounds like a really fascinating book. I'd love to read it.

    a(dot)long(at)tcu(dot)edu

    ReplyDelete