What was the inspiration behind Pirate of My Heart?After writing a couple of pretty intense books (Angel’s Den and Love’s First Light) I wanted to try something lighter and more fun. As the story developed the sparks really started to fly between Lady Kendra Townsend and American sea captain, Dorian Colburn. I love it when my characters become so real they take over the story and that’s how this book felt from the start. I just let them tell me what will happen next, discovering with them their adventure and how they will fall in love.
What were some of your favorite books as a child?
I was a true bookworm so I love this question! Around third grade my dad (I’m a PK) decided to throw out the television. My brother and I weren’t too happy about that, I can tell you! But in the next two years I discovered books. I read Heidi, the Little House on the Prairie series, Little Women and anything by Louisa May Alcott, and by fourteen I was reading historical romances. I also have a fond memory of a set of red hardcover books that came with our encyclopedias that were full of fables, short stories and classic fairy tales. To this day, I love fairy tales!
What kind of snacks do you have in your pantry right now?
Right now I have a huge box of those Carr’s crackers as we are having our annual neighborhood party this weekend and I’m bringing dip and crackers (I have to confess I got into them last night!). I’m sure there are some chips, fish crackers, granola bars and cookies in there as well!
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I went through several stages: Olympic gymnast, ballerina, singer-songwriter, secretary, teacher, cosmetologist, advertising executive, business woman (my years as a teenager working at McDonalds made me think it would be fun to own a food franchise one day). Notice author isn’t on the list? I don’t know why but I never thought of it until I was in my late twenties and started writing in earnest.
If you could visit any place in the United States, where would you go?
Hawaii or Alaska. Opposites, I know! Since two of my books (Snow Angel and The Snowflake) are set in Alaska I’ve always wanted to visit there, but the beach sounds so wonderful right now. I would have to flip a coin. :)
What verse or passage of Scripture would you consider to be your “life verse”?
I don’t know that I have a “life verse” but Isaiah 61:1 (and the whole chapter) has always meant a lot to me. Kind of like a life’s mission statement. I hope my books and my life reflect this.
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
Isaiah 61:1, NIV
What are you working on now?
I am so excited to be working on book three, A Duke’s Promise, in my first series! It’s called the Forgotten Castles series and is a story about a young woman who has been told that her treasure hunting parents are dead and that the powerful Duke of St. Easton is now her guardian. (Book one is The Guardian Duke – out February 2012, book two is The Forgiven Duke – out July 2012 and book three is A Duke’s Promise – out September 2012, so you won’t have to wait long in between books!). Lady Alexandria Featherstone doesn’t believe her parents are so ill-fated and takes off on a three-book journey over Ireland, Iceland and Italy to rescue them. Adventure, romance, some comical side characters that my son Seth (19) helped me dream up and God’s loving redemption! It’s my best work to date, I think!
Want to hang out with Jamie a bit more?!
Make sure to check out Jamie's blog for a couple of really fun quizzes (what's your pirate name?!) and some pirate booty too! You can also keep up with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Because Jamie is awesome and super-generous, she is giving away a copy of Pirate of My Heart to one lucky reader! Isn't she great?!
Mandatory entry:
- Leave a comment for Jamie on this post.
- Make sure to include your email address disguised like this: iblog4books at gmail dot com
Extra entries:
- Follow this blog (+1)
- Like i blog 4 books on Facebook (+1)
- Follow @iblog4books on Twitter
- Let others know about this really fun giveaway on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, or any other means of social media (+2)
U.S. residents only. Winner will be randomly selected. Once announced the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their address. Otherwise, I will have to choose another winner. Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Monday, September 26.
*** Update: The winner has been announced! ***
wondering, Jamie, did you have any control over cover artwork?
ReplyDeleteblstef1 at mts dot net
thanks for letting us get to know a bit more about you today!
gfc following ~
ReplyDeletetwitter fllwr @_eHope =)
ReplyDeleteliked! faith hope cherrytea would like your like too =)and has a great ebook that needs sharing "In Leah's Wake" thx!
ReplyDeletegiveaway added to sidebar at FHC ~
ReplyDeletemay i post a winner yet? thanks...
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