Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Giveaway from Vicki McDonough

I am so excited to have as a guest on my blog for November, Vicki McDonough, author of Anonymous Bride and Second Chance Brides as well as many other books. I have read both of these books and throughly enjoyed them. There were many times I laughed out loud at the antics taking place. I think you will, too.

Vicki has graciously donated one of her books A Bride by Christmas as a giveaway. With Christmas just around the corner this will be a great read. Lets get started with the interview:


1. Can you tell me how you decided on this series? I was trying to come up with an idea for a new book and started asking "what if" questions. The one that stuck in my mind was: What if a mail-order bride arrives in town to marry a man who never ordered a bride? Then I wondered how I could take that situation and make it worse, so I ask myself: What if three mail-order brides showed up in town expecting to marry the same man, only he hadn't ordered a bride. I wondered how something like that could happen and if it did, what would the man do about it? The wheels of my mind kept turning--and I brainstormed ideas with my critique partners--and that's how The Anonymous Bride was born.

What about the characters and plot? I knew that there would need to be some "sidekick" characters in this book--the ones who actually ordered the brides and decided they would be my hero's cousins, two men who grew up with him in the same small Texas town. I wanted a hurting hero who'd been jilted big time and was now skittish toward women. And then I set up the poor guy with more brides than he could use. It was a lot of fun. :)

2. Is there going to be another book in the series after "Second Chance Brides"? Yes, Finally A Bride is the third and final book in the Texas Boardinghouse Brides series. It tells the story of Jack, the tomboy girl whose story thread runs through the first two books. She is now grown up but that doesn't keep her from making impulsive choices that backfire and get her into all kinds of weird circumstances. Enter the man who has the guts and where-with-all to tame her. Readers will also see the return of a past character or two from previous books. Finally A Bride releases in April.

Are you working on anything else? Yes, I'm currently writing the second book in a historical series set in South Carolina. The first book, Mutiny of the Heart, releases in December. It's the story of a woman who travels from Canada to deliver a young boy(after the boy's mother has died) to his father--a wealthy Charleston ship builder--but the man never knew of the boy and claims it's impossible for the child to be his.

Also, here's some exciting new news--I'll be writing a prairie romance series for Guideposts called Whispers on the Prairie. This will be for a new line of books, and the first book, Light of a Silent Dawn, will release next fall.


3. I love the humor in your books. What made you decide to use humor? Humor comes natural to me. My dad was a big joker and loved to tease and pull pranks on people. He loved to laugh, and I'm glad that I inherited part of his funny bone. I think it's taken me a while to catch my stride in writing and learning to use humor. It's a hard thing to write, because humor is very selective. What one person sees as funny might just offend someone else. But I love to read funny things in books and try to give my readers something to laugh at in each story I write.

4. As an aspiring author I always like to ask guest authors what advice they have for us still plugging along on our manuscripts. Take the time you need to develop your craft and don't be in a rush to get published. I'm using parts of the third book I ever wrote in a story I'm now working on. It's roughly the same concept--a story about a man who has been raised to believe that family is the most important thing next to God. It's so important to him that he would deny himself the love of his life because he fell for the woman his brother is engaged to. When I first wrote this book, I thought it was fabulous I just knew an editor was going to scoop it up the minute it came across his/her desk. Well, not so. It got rejected and never found a home. Six years later, I realize this plot is perfect for the story I'm now wanting to write. So, I thought I'd polish it up a bit and viola! I have an easy book. Not so. My stomach is turning as I re-read it. The romance is so gushy, the dialogue so immature, the descriptions so over-the-top. It was a real eye-opener. I've grown so much as a writer since I wrote this that my own story was nauseating. If I judged this book in a contest, it would have gotten a mediocre score. The plot was good, but the writing definitely needed work. Looking back, I can see how God protected me in not letting this book get published back then, but at the time, I was heart broken. It's interesting how our perspective can change over time. What I though was the next great novel--wasn't. Only writing and more writing and studying the craft can make you a better writer. You only got one shot to pitch your book to an editor, so don't get in a hurry and take the time you need to develop your craft.

Thanks so much for having me as a guest today!

Vickie McDonough

Thank you Vicki for being our guest. Now here are a few housekeeping things you need to do to enter for the book:

1. Be a follower or sign up as a follower. Please leave an email address so I can contact you if you win.

2. What time period do you like to read about the most?

3. Do you enjoy humor in the books you read?

4. Now, go on over to Vicki's website and check out all of the fantastic books she has written and learn a little more about Vicki.

The giveaway will end on November 20th.
Thank you to all of my followers. I appreciate your support more than you know!

Deborah

HAPPY READING!


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33 comments:

  1. Hmmm first poster pretty much means you don't win ;) LOL I love the Oregon Trail time periods and books that focus on settling out here because I am an Oregon girl. It fascinates me to imagine coming out west!

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  2. I love the "brides" series idea. Im writing a book set in South Carolina too. Just starting my reasearch on an interesting plot twist about that time in history. I love any time period after 1750. It's all good!
    Blessings - I am a follower.
    jancline(at)ymail(dot)com

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  3. What an interesting interview. I smiled to myself when I read that a guy got a bride he didn't order. What a neat idea. Congratulations and good luck with all of your books.

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  4. Interesting interview. I enjoy historical fiction books from the late 1800's - early 1900's as well as current series books. I enjoy humor in books and am a follower.

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

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  5. I love Vickie's books and mail order brides always get my attention. I like the mid-1800's to the early 1900's, so many exciting things happened then. I also love books with humor that lift my spirit.
    I'm a follower.
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

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  6. I enjoyed reading this interview. I am a huge fan of historical romances. I especially love stories that take place in the Regency period in England, the Old American West, and Medieval England and Scotland.

    I do enjoy humor in romances. We all need fun and laughter to help us deal with the stress in our lives.

    I visited Vicki's website. She considered making the decision to write a scary one because in school she loved math and hated English. I think the decision that she made turned out to be a good one!

    Follower :-)
    castings at mindspring dot com

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  7. I love Vicki's books! Love the humor in them and I find myself laughing out loud :) Regency would be my favorite, but sense there aren't a lot of those being written, I usually read books set during the mid to late 1800's. I'm a follower of your blog. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

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  8. I love Vicki's writing. She is so good at romantic tension.

    Contemporary books are my favorite, but I enjoy historicals, too.

    I'm a follower,
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

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  9. Yay! so glad to see Jack will get her own book. She's a great character.
    mahereenie at yahoo dot com

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  10. I'm a brand new follower. I love humor in books and I read all sorts of time periods, I truly do not have a favorite. I have not read any of Vicki's books but this interview has put her on my list. :)

    Pegg
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  11. Sorry I haven’t commented sooner, but I’m on another deadline. Thanks to everybody for stopping by and leaving a comment!!

    I love wagon train stories, too, Mel. And just so you know, the first commenter has just as much chance at winning the book as everyone else, so no worries there.

    Jan, good luck with your book. I visited Charleston while researching my series. It’s such a cool town and so rich in history.

    Gail, Thanks so much for the congratulations. Yes, my hero got far more than he ever expected.

    Jo, The late 1800s is my fav time to read about too. I wonder what it is that we love about that time period so much.

    Merry, I’m so glad to learn that you’ve enjoyed reading my books. I write them for people like you.

    Cheryl, It’s really true that writing a book can be scary. You have a contract to fulfill, a deadline(usually coming far too quickly), and many blank pages waiting to be filled. It’s always intimidating to start a new book, but I keep telling myself that I can do all things in Christ, who strengthens me.

    Anne, Humor is so subjective, and my family has a weird sense of humor. I never know if what I think is funny will be funny to others. I’m glad to know you’ve enjoyed the humor in my books.

    Ann, Don’t you just love romantic tension? It so much fun when the hero & heroine are attracted to one another but at odds over something. I recently read a book with fabulous romantic tension: A Tailor Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer. You’ll love it!

    Hey Kathy! Yep, Jack gets her book—and her man—although it’s not exactly the man she thinks she wants. ☺ I can hardly wait for that book to come out.

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  12. Vicki,
    Thank you so, so much for visiting us. I know you are very busy writing those books we love to read.
    You are right - everyone has the same chance to win. I use random.org to select the winner so everyone has the same chance.

    Can't wait to read about Jack. She sounds just like me when I was her age. LOL

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  13. I am a follower:)
    chakasa58 at gmail dot com

    I love stories written during the Civil War, but there aren't many Christian fiction books out there during that time period YET.

    I LOVE humor in books as long as the story line is serious as well. A good sense of humor is always appreciated!

    Thanks for entering me in this giveaway!

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  14. Even though I write contemporary, I love to read in all time periods. As long as it's romance, I'm hooked.
    I enjoy a little humor in the books I read, too, everyone needs a good laugh to brighten their day!

    I am a long time follower.

    debracollins(at)tds(dot)net

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  15. I loved Anonymous Bride and can hardly wait to read more of Vicki's books.

    I enjoy books written in many time periods but right now I am favoring the old west and WWII periods.

    I am a GFC follower.

    Smiles, =D
    Cindy W

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  16. Pegg, Thanks so much for adding me to your reading list. I promise my readers An Adventure into Romance. I love stories with conflict--characters struggling with some big issue in their lives and a heart-warming romance.

    Deborah, We must have been a lot alike when we were young, because Jack and I are also rather similar. I was a tomboy—still hate wearing dresses. In fact, I only own two dresses, and since I’ve lost some weight, neither one fits.

    Charlotte, I like Civil War stories too, but publishers are reluctant to buy them. I know it seems strange in this day and time, but there are people in the South that are in some ways still fighting the war. I saw hints of this on my trip to Charleston last year. FYI, I did a Christmas novella collection last year called A Blue and Gray Christmas, which is set during and shortly after the Civil War.

    Debra, I need to have a romance in the books I read too. I can’t really tell you why, but if a book doesn’t have a romance, I don’t enjoy it nearly as much. I suppose it’s that delicious back and forth attraction vs conflict with the hero & heroine that I enjoy so much.

    Cindy, Thanks so much for reading TAB, and I’m thrilled to know you enjoyed it. I’ve been getting great responses about Second Chance Brides, book 2 in my Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, so you might want to check it out.

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  17. I'm a followr. I really enjoyed this interview. The idea that three women show up for one man - I can just imagine the look on the man's face! I really enjoy historical books but love modern day also. I'm pretty well rounded that way! LOL! And of course humor is always good in a book. I read to escape my life and many days I need a good laugh. thanks for the giveaway.
    Debbie
    dcf_beth at verizon dot net

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  18. I am a follower:) And I would love to win this book by Vicki. I have read The Anonymous Bride but have yet to get the second one in the series. And Vicki, I loved A Tailor Made Bride!! Her style of writing reminded me of you. I am a big fan of historical fiction and the old west would be my favorite. Please enter me in this giveaway. Thanks!!
    esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  19. I love romance and mystery in any time period. I also love humor in my books and enjoy reading them so I can laugh out loud without someone looking at me like I am crazy. lol.. My cats even enjoy humor. lol

    I am a follower and email subscriber
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter this great giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  20. I'm a follower. I loved Vicki's masthead on her site. I mostly read contemporary, but I love Vicki's writing. Humor is always a plus.

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  21. I really enjoyed the interview..I also enjoyed your other books and i can't wait to read this one.. Please include me for this giveaway..
    I very much enjoy humor in my books. It keeps you guessing..
    im a follower.

    heidijohnjeffATverizonDOTnet

    Blessings
    Heidi

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  22. I'm a follower

    I love historical. It's hard to say what time period. I've read Medieval, Colonial, expansion west and love them all.

    Love humor in my stories

    Learned about her current contest. thanks

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  23. Oh goodness! I'm dying to read this book!
    I just finished reading the first one and LOVED it!!!
    I am a follower.
    YES I LOVE humor in the books I read!! Humor makes books so much more fun and interesting!!
    Oh..There are so many time periods like to read!
    I would have to say the 1800's, and the present.
    I love historical fiction though!
    Thanks for the giveaway and interview!
    dymesich(at)juno(dot)com

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  24. I am a new follower. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Jennifer

    jmschwindt at cox dot net

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  25. Carmen sent me, btw! I am #1 a follower, (mymadakaja at yahoo dot com), #2 love books written in the late 1800s, #3 enjoy humor in books, and #4 checked out Vicki's website.

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  26. I am a follower.
    I enjoy books from the 1700's and forward the most.
    I do enjoy some humor in books.
    Vicki is very talented and I have her The Anonymous Bride and still want to read Tailor Made Bride.
    Please include me!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  27. I'm now a follower!

    Here is my email addy: booklovercb[at]yahoo[.]com

    I like to read about any time period, honestly. Contemporary, historical... I don't care! As long as it is a good read it can be any time period. :)

    I *LOVE* humor in the books I read! Esp. in Mary Conneally's books! She makes me crack up.

    Please enter me! I have read the first book and can't wait to read this one as well. :)

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  28. I love historal romances and the West is an era I really enjoy reading. I also love humor in books and this one sounds like a good read! Please enter me in your drawing!

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  29. Thank you for giving away this book! I can't choose just one time period as my favorite. I like to read books set in the pioneer and depression eras.
    Lisa
    storyreader617@gmail.com

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  30. I really loved Anonymous Bride and would love to read this one.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. What a great turnout for Vicki's interview. Just two more days to the drawing! Once again, thank you Vicki!
    Deborah M.

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  32. Sounds like a GREAT read for the holiday season. I would LOVE to win this book!

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  33. I am a follower....
    I think i like the World War 2 time period best! i do like humor in books, it lightens heavy stuff, but i also like them to be realistic! I would love to read the next book in your series! i loved the Anonymous bride! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

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