Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Author Interview with Marianne Evans

I've invited author Marianne Evans here today to tell us about herself, and her new release, Finding Home, A Christmas Romance set in London, England. I hope you'll ask her more questions in the comments. I know I have a few more to ask after reading her answers!

Hi Marianne, please start by telling us a little about yourself:

I'm a native of Michigan who loves living in the Great Lake State. I have two older brothers who absolutely tower over me (one is 6'6", the other is 6/4" - I've always called them my twin towers, since I'm 5'3"!) My relationship with the Lord became deep and strong and my faith walk changed completely during a retreat trip in Arkansas with my two sisters-in-law. Precious time communing, discovering, and bonding! My life shifted after that point from secular writing to Christian fiction and romance. Can I tell you? It's such an incredible joy to use my gifts for His glory!!


What an intriguing story. And wonderful how that led to your shift to Christian fiction.  Were you an avid reader as a child?

I've been a reader forever! I loved the Nancy Drew mysteries, Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic stories Secret Garden and Little Princess, Laura Ingalls Wilder was also a favorite!

What is your favorite genre to read now? 

Christian fiction and Christian romance. 

Could you tell us three other things about yourself that might surprise your readers?
 
I collect antique salts, which are small containers, with spoons, that were used on dining tables before pourable salt was invented. I unwind by crocheting! I'm an organizing fiend.

Ooh, the antique salt collection sounds like a great "unique" characteristic to give a heroine. Why do you write?

Because I can't *not* write. Stories and characters and scenes come to life and I run with them. I realize, now, that it's like a call from God to use the passion and gifts he's given me as a writer to not only entertain but share His love and truth with others.

Tell us about the journey to getting published.

It took a long time! My rejection letters run far and wide. In fact, I stacked them up, tossed a linen cloth over the top and they make for a nice end table! All kidding aside, I was ready to quit. I had received one too many "no thank you" notes. A wonderful agent kept believing in me, and pushing for me, and got me in the door at Kensington. The rest, as they say, is history!

Ah, yes, perseverance often seems to be the key. How wonderful that your agent is so supportive, too. How many books do you have published?

I just signed a contract for books 16 and 17!!!!

That's awesome! Tell us about Finding Home

Here's the blurb:

A Christmas voyage to London…

Six months ago, Alexa Gordon’s engagement transformed from happiness to betrayal. Christmas is on the way. The last thing she wants to do is spend the holiday in mourning for being so foolish with her emotions. A spontaneous, soul-reviving trip to London is just what she needs.

Becomes a mission of the heart…

Peter Colby, a treasured friend from Alexa’s study abroad term in England years ago, welcomes her back to the UK with open arms. He knows she’s still reeling, but he’s determined to show her a proper, fulfilling love that will keep her at his side forever.

And God’s plan unfolds…

But they life half the world apart, and Alexa is shattered by past pain. Can Peter help her find the courage she longs for? Can he convince Alexa that finding home isn’t just about logistics it’s about the power of the heart?

What inspired you to write this particular book?

A yearning to return to London! I’ve been there twice, once close to Christmas, and I always wanted to write a fabulous romance in that setting.

Oh yes, what a lovely "excuse" to return. ~smiling~ What are you working on right now?

I’ve got a number of books and ideas brewing. The top priority at present is the continuation of an anthology I’m a part of with four other writers at Pelican Book Group. The book is titled Maria’s Angel (to be followed by Jodie’s Song) and it’s part of the Heart’s Haven series which also features authors Delia Latham, Mary Manners and Tanya Stowe.

Where can fans find you or your books on the internet?

Visit my Amazon author page and you’ll be instantly connected to all my books!

And of course at my website: http://www.marianneevans.com/

Also, seek me out at Pelican Book Group: http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com



Your Turn: Anyone else have questions for Marianne? Ask in the comments and she'll answer. I'd like to start with: Marianne do you have any heroines (or plan to write one) with the unique hobby of collecting antique salts?





14 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing, Marianne. I haven't heard of anyone collecting antique salts. Fascinating.

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  2. Thanks, Shirley! If you get a chance to look them up you just might become addicted. Antique salts range from simple crystal or metal bows to elaborate viking ships, art-glass, hand blown by Tiffany & Co (one of my best finds!) and I also have a salt from imperial Russia that is crafted of multi-colored enamel and sterling silver. Don't ask me how much it cost. I closed my eyes when I wrote the check...but suffice to say, it's my prized salt. :-)

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  3. Sandra, thank you so much for hostessing me at this fabulous blog! I love it! Actually, the answer to your question is "yes" -- :-) -- I ahve an idea brewing for a new series of romances from Pelican Book Group that features a very detailed and highly organized female antiquities dealer who crosses paths with an intriguing and compelling adversary. Or is he...???? :-)

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    1. Ah, now I understand...salt & pepper shakers...not the actual "salt". My grandmother used to have a lot of different "guy and girl" shakers.

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  4. I see you've books with a number of different publishers. Can you tell us about your publication journey from Kensington to Pelican?

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  5. Hi, Alice! Thanks for your visit! :-) I've written for three publishing houses: Kensington, The Wild Rose Press, and Pelican Book Group (White Rose Publishing & Harbourlight imprints). My journey from "K" to Pelican came about as the result of my life, and my faith, coming alive. I wrote, and enjoyed secular romance, but felt a call on my heart to write Christian fiction. It took me a while, because the Devil doesn't want us doing God's work. I was filled with doubt. Who am I, after all, but a sinner. And, it's not like I have a degree in theology. What I do have is heart for God's hope, and his actions in my life, in what I do, and in those around me. I began to draft out story ideas, entered a contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing, and ended up winning-which meant a contract! From there, I haven't looked back, and I never will. Writing Christian fiction and romance combines my two favorite things - sharing the truth of God's power and word, and sharing the most powerful emotion He gives us: LOVE. Blessings to you!!!

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  6. Great interview.I'm glad you didn't quit and congrats on your writing success!

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  7. I love your stories, Marianne! You bring such life to your characters and a "life" message to every story. Thank you for heeding the call!

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  8. You said you had an agent who persisted despite rejections piling up. What do you think was the key thing the agent saw despite all the rejections?

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  9. Hi, Diane! Thanks for the encouragement and your visit! Both mean a great deal to me. At times, quitting may seem the easier option, but it's never the best option. :-) Blessings!

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  10. Donna, your support means so much to me. Praise like that, coming from you, is treasured. God bless you my friend!!

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  11. Hi, Dale! I'm so glad you paid a visit today! What a great question. I wish I had a clear-cut answer. The best response I can come up with is that she saw something in my writing style and the stories I told, that won her loyalty a commitment to see me succeed. She never really told me what element caused her to work so hard on my behalf, it was simply a blessing. A "God Moment" at work in my life that, to be honest, I didn't even fully realize at the time until I looked back and saw the pattern of my career as it developed. And, isn't that, often times, the way God works? :-) God bless!!

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