Random Question: Denise Hildreth Jones

As you could (hopefully) tell from my review, I absolutely loved The First Gardener by Denise Hildreth Jones. Denise was kind enough to answer a few of my "random questions."

What was the inspiration behind The First Gardener?
This was just a story that came to me- kind of like my first book, Savannah from Savannah. Just a sweet gift. And I got Jeremiah's voice first. I knew he would be the story teller.

What were some of your favorite books as a child?
My favorite book when I was little was Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. I loved that book! And then it's follow-ups Fudge, Super-Fudge. In eighth grade I fell in love with Lord of the Flies. I'm just realizing that I liked books with boys as the central character. Maybe that's why I write a lot of men characters in my stories...Wow, you just made me think:)

If you were Miss America, what cause would you champion?
I would champion "world peace!" Isn't that what all Miss America's champion? Honestly, in this generation I would champion "How to have your kids at the dinner table without their phones!"

What are your "can't miss" TV shows?
Oh my, here we go "The Closer" for sure. I love southern women
"Survivor" - I've only missed one season.
Those are the two that I wouldn't want to miss for anything.

If you could choose only one color to paint your entire house, which color would you choose?
Cream- I love cream. Then it gives your artwork the ability to be the statement in your home.

What verse or passage of Scripture would you consider to be your "life verse?"
I love Hebrews 10:35. Do not throw away your confidence for it will be richly rewarded. If you persevere in doing the will of God you will receive all that he has promised. In a little while he will come. Though he tarry he will not tarry forever. And the righteous shall live by faith. But if you shrink back he will not be pleased. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but we are those who believe and are saved." Every time I read that it's like I get this new strength in the soul of me...

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on a non-fiction and fiction book of the same theme. My book Flying Solo: A Journey of Divorce, Healing and a Very Present God were the journals chronicling the first year after my divorce. And during that journey the most significant thing that I learned was what it means to reclaim a "shut-down" heart. So, I am working on a new non-fiction entitled Reclaiming Your Heart: A journey of laughter, living and loving and a fiction book with the same theme entitled Secrets over Sweet Tea.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to read more by Denise! And ... through August 27, Hurricanes in Paradise is free for all of you e-readers out there! (Ummm ... that's tomorrow ... so hurry!)