Monday, October 24, 2011

Southern-Style Meet & Greet with Lynn Austin Plus Giveaway


Thank you so much for coming over for this week's Southern-Style Meet & Greet! I am so excited about today's guest as she's been a favorite of mine for many years. :o)

But first, let me announce the winner of last week's giveaway for Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer. Thanks to Random.org, the winner is...

Candace (cbetts@...)

Candace, I'll see to it that your book is on it's way to you very soon. Congrats!

Now, for this week's guest!

Lynn has written across many genres in Christian fiction, but lately, her books have been historical in nature. She is the popular author of the Biblical fiction series, Chronicles of the King, and I won't lie...it's always been a favorite of mine. :o)  Hope you guys enjoy our visit!

Welcome, Lynn!! :o)
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How did your journey begin as a writer?

I love to read but it seemed like so many well-written books gave readers very little hope. Too many themes seemed to be “Life is hard and then you die.” I agree that life is hard—but God is good! So I sat down one day 27 years ago (I was a stay-at-home mom with a new baby) and decided to write the kind of book I enjoy reading—one that makes me laugh, makes me cry, and helps me learn something about myself and my faith. I knew nothing about getting published (that would come later) but I found that I enjoyed writing so much that I knew I wanted to keep doing it.

If you were not a published author, what would your dream job be and why?

Writing IS my dream job! When I first started writing, I used to think, “Oh, if only I could write books full-time and find a group of readers who love my books.” My dream has come true! But if I had to choose another job….I’d probably be an interior designer. I love to tour beautiful homes and I’m always painting or changing something in my own home. I love reading decorating magazines and watching the decorating channels on TV whenever I’m in a place that has cable TV.

Those design shows suck me in every time.  Before I know it, I've lost 2 hours of my day!

You’ve written across several genres over the years. Is there a particular genre that is your favorite?

I loved writing my biblical fiction series, “Chronicles of the King.” Those books are still my favorites. Someday, hope to write more biblical fiction set in Israel.

I hope you do, too, and I'm sure I'm not alone.  :o)

You had the privilege of having one of your books, Hidden Places, turned into a movie. What was that experience like for you?

Well, it came about with no effort on my part. Hallmark contacted my publisher, Bethany House, and made all of the arrangements. But I did have the opportunity to fly to California and watch them film part of the movie. What an amazing experience! I was blown away to see my fictitious setting and fictional characters “come to life” in so much detail. As I watched hundreds of people racing around with cameras and microphones and all sorts of equipment I was overwhelmed. I never realized how much work went into filming one tiny scene. It really was a thrill of a lifetime.

What is your latest book release?

My newest book is called Wonderland Creek and will be in bookstores sometime this month. Here is a synopsis:

Alice Grace Ripley lives in a dream world, her nose stuck in a book. But the happily-ever-after life she’s planned on suddenly falls apart when her boyfriend breaks up with her, accusing her of living in a world of fiction instead of the real world. To top it off, Alice loses her beloved library job because of cutbacks due to the Great Depression.

Longing to run from small-town gossip, Alice flees to the mountains of eastern Kentucky to deliver five boxes of donated books to the tiny coal-mining town of Acorn, a place with no running water, no electricity, and where the librarians ride ornery horses up steep mountain passes to deliver books. When Alice is forced to stay in Acorn far longer than she planned, she discovers that real-life adventure, mystery—and especially romance—may be far better than her humble dreams could have imagined.

Where can readers find you on the web?

My website is www.lynnaustin.org

If you could visit anywhere down South, where would it be and why?

I would love to return to Charleston, South Carolina. What a beautiful city! The people I met were so warm and gracious—and helpful, too, as I gathered research for my novels, Fire by Night, and A Light to My Path. If I went back, I would like to tour more of the beautiful old homes, inside and out. What a feast for the eyes.

Charleston is one of the few places I've not visited down here.  Some day I'd like to see it for myself because everyone has such great things to say about it!

Iced Tea—sweet or un-sweet?

Sweet, of course! There’s nothing like it.

Historical house—large plantation or log cabin?

I loved touring the plantations around Charleston and Beaufort.

Country gal or city gal?

County gal—I love the woods and the peace and quiet of the country. But I would have to live in a country mansion on a gorgeous estate.
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If you'd like to be entered to win a copy of Lynn's latest book, Wonderland Creek, simply fill out all of the required fields in the giveaway form in their entirety. Please leave any thoughts regarding the interview in the comment section (as we seem to always strike up a conversation down there). :o)

Giveaway is open to US residents only, and void where prohibited. All entries must be received before Sunday, October 30, 11:59PM CST to qualify, and the winner will be announced on next week's SSM&G. Odds of winning are contingent upon number of entries.




20 comments:

  1. What a great interview. I have long been a fan of Lynn's books and Hidden Places still remains my all-time favorite. :)

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  2. I've read many of Lynn's books and enjoyed them all. "Wonderland Creek" promises to be another excellent book. I read the first three chapters online and found myself chuckling as I read. Alice is a great character with such a humorous, unique point of view.

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  3. I've loved each of Lynn's books I've read. My favorites are probably Candle in the Darkness and Fire by Night. I'm looking forward to reading Wonderland Creek. It's nice to see a novel set in eastern Kentucky, which is where I am from.

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  4. Casey,

    Choosing a favorite of Lynn's is so hard...I don't think I can do it! But I can say without a doubt that the Chronicles series is one of my favorite series in CF...period. :o)

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  5. Pam,

    I hope to have WC read here very soon (this week, if I can manage it). I just know it'll be wonderful. :o)

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  6. Michelle,

    I love coming across books that are set in my area, too...makes those areas come alive. *grin*

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  7. I haven't read any of Lynn's books. But your interview made me want to go out and get one. Great interview!

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  8. Julie,

    You should totally take the leap! I have been reading Lynn's books since I was in high school (more than 12 years ago), and there hasn't been one yet that I didn't love. :o)

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  9. I just picked up While We're Far Apart for my Nook. I have never read anything by Lynn, but I found so many titles that appealed to me just from perusing her website. Thank you for the wonderful interview and introduction!

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  10. I've read good things about Wonderland Creek and have it on my wish list. I agree, Christy, about loving Lynn's books. My favorites are Candle in the Darkness, Fire by Night, and Wings of Refuge. She's such a great storyteller! Thanks for a fun interview and great giveaway. Blessings!

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  11. Thanks for another great interview and giveaway!
    Will be adding Lynn's books to my Goodread's to read list.

    Blessings,
    Patricia aka Mamaw

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  12. I have enjoyed all of Lynn's books too. I thought the Chronicles was very good. I have enjoyed Lynn's depth as a writer and how she developes a story. I think we have all her books in our church library including the movie. I wish they would make more or her books into movies. I am looking forward to reading her latest!
    Candace

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  13. Hello Ladies,
    Thanks so much for inviting me to your blog, Christy. It has been fun. And thanks to all my readers for your kind comments about my books. I'm so glad to know that you've been enjoying my stories. I'll keep writing if you'll keep reading.
    Lynn Austin

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  14. Whew, haven't responded to any comments today...so sorry about that!

    Ladies, thank y'all so much for your support for Lynn and her books. If you've not read any of them yet, you're in for a real treat, I assure you. :o)

    And Lynn, bless you for coming by! I'm sure you've got a jam-packed schedule, and it means so much that you set aside time for the interview this week. Thank you so very, very much!

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  15. I have read this book, and loved it!! I think Lynn's Refiner Fire Series are some of the best books I have ever read!!
    God Bless you Lynn!

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  16. Maureen,

    I need to pick up where I left off with that series...the first one was oh-so-good!

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  17. Lynn Austin is one of my favorite authors - loved every book and would be hard to pick out the best. Eve's Daughters was our book club favorite

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  18. I've only read a few of Lynn's books. The last one I read was A Proper Pursuit, it was so much fun! :) I just came across a copy of Eve's Daughters, looking forward to delving into that one soon. :)

    Great interview! Thank you, Lynn and Christy!

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  19. Lynn's Chronicles of the King was excellent reading. I have enjoyed her other books that I have read too.

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  20. I havent read any of Lynn's books in awhile but this one looks awesome and I would surely like to be in the drawing if I am not too late.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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I love your comments!! They make me happier than cold sweet tea on a hot summer day! :o)