Monday, June 30, 2014

Author Sporlight + GIVEAWAY: Tracie Peterson


We are extremely honored to have one of my favorite inspirational authors with us today, the talented Tracie Peterson. What an awesome career accomplishment to have published 100 novels, and with the promise of more to come! I also appreciate that Tracie's novels always have a strong spiritual theme.
 
Tracie is graciously sharing a copy of A Sensible Arrangement with one of you (details at the bottom of this post). This is a story with good character depth, romance, and the beautiful message of redemption. Please see my review here. Now let's enjoy Tracie . . .


Q:  What an awesome achievement to have published your 100th novel, Tracie! Do you have any writing dreams that haven't yet been fulfilled?

Hmmm, haven’t hit the New York Times list or been on the Tonight Show. Just kidding I really don’t have the goal for either of those things.  I guess my current goal is just to write the next book in the best form possible and share the Gospel. Writing for me is a ministry and my desire is to keep focused on the Lord and listen for His direction.


Q:  Do you have a favorite Bible verse, or one that is especially meaningful at this time in your life?

Right now I’m really blessed by Ephesians 2:8&9:  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."


Q:  If you had a "bucket list," name two things that would be on it.

I don’t really have a bucket list.  I guess I still want to see Ireland and of course there are friends and family I would love to spend time with, but that isn’t really a bucket list kind of thing.


Q:  Please tell us a little about the Lone Star Brides series and the book we're featuring today, A Sensible Arrangement.

The  Lone Star Brides series ties together (loosely) 2 other previous series – Striking a Match and Land of the Lone Star.  People kept asking for more on Jake Wythe and Marty Dandridge and it just worked out that I could put those two together in a new series.  There will be intrigue and romance in Texas and Colorado.


Q:  Marty is a character who seemed to find it easy to tell lies, or at least exaggerate the truth. How does she become a character that readers care about?

Marty had appeared as a lovable little girl who exaggerated a great deal in Chasing the Sun.  Readers wrote to say how much they liked her and wanted to see her grown up.  But for those who didn’t have that experience to tie to her, I wanted to show a woman whose fear caused her to lie and do what she felt she had to in order to survive.  I think there are a great many folks out there who will relate to that.


Q:  I loved these words of Alice, Marty's maid:  "God isn't in the business of doing things without them having a purpose that will lead to His glory." Do you ever struggle with understanding or accepting God's purpose in difficult times?

Absolutely – I’m human.  There are often things that go on in my life that really confuse me as to why.  I’ve learned over the years, however, to take my wounded heart to God. He always offers great comfort and in time shows me the reason for the things that have happened.  And, even when those answers don’t come, I know the best thing is to trust Him and wait for His direction.


Q:  What do you hope readers will take away from this story?

That lies never work in the long run and will only hurt both the one lying and the one to whom they lie.  Also that God has already made provision for our needs. Folks seem to like to assign weight to sin and while the consequences have greater weight for some sin than others, sin is sin whether it’s lying, stealing or committing murder.  We need to take serious the danger of that “little white lie.”


Q:  Have any readers' responses had an impact on you, Tracie?

Oh all the time.  I had a recent letter from a woman who said she read the book and while she wasn’t a Christian the book really made her ask questions about her life and the direction she’d chosen.  I love things like that.


Q:  What is the most significant change that you've seen in the publishing industry over the span of your career? Any concerns?

Ebooks.  I think it’s an amazing tool and can really be a blessing to readers.  It can also be a real mind boggle and curse as we see so many books published in the ebook form that have had no editor’s touch.  I’m not foolish enough to think that my books are perfect.  My editing team are such a blessing and when you publish without one, I think it really puts you at a disadvantage.  The other significant thing is a sad one – So many of the Christian publishing houses are now owned by major secular publishing houses.  I’ve see it take a toll in content and acceptable topics and that’s been really hard.  I believe we are called to be in this world, but not of it and that there is a hard line we have to draw when it comes to why we as Christians get into writing in the first place and what we will write.


Q:  What books can we look for over the next year or so?

A MATTER OF HEART is out now – it’s the second book in the Lone Star Brides series and A MOMENT IN TIME is out in October.  Kimberley Woodhouse and I will be doing a book tour in Alaska in September so keep checking my website at traciepeterson.com for updates on the places and times if you live in Alaska.  A brand new series, one I’m really enjoying working on, is coming out next spring.  Book one is A STEADFAST HEART and is set in 1888 Seattle.   It has a cast that include three zany matchmakers and  their unpredictable ward.




Q:  What are some ways we can support and encourage you, both personally and as an author, Tracie?

I really appreciate prayer first and foremost.  My writing is a ministry and the enemy is constantly attacking my health, my peace of mind, my household and loved ones.  Prayer has kept me strong and standing firm and I appreciate that my readers take time to pray for me.  I also love that they share their love of my books with their friends and family.  Word of mouth is always the best way to get the word out.  Like with this interview for example.  I really appreciate the opportunity to share with you and want to thank you for having me.

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing for A Sensible Arrangement, answer ONE of the following questions and leave your e-mail in a safe format. If you're willing, it's also helpful to share about this giveaway on Facebook.

1) Have you read Tracie's books before? If so, what is one of your favorite series?

2) What do you think about Tracie's words, based on Marty's character, that we need to "take serious the danger of that 'little white lie'"?

3) Simply leave a comment or question for Tracie based on this interview.

Please "like" my Facebook page, ThePowerofWordsBookReviews, if you haven't already. And new followers of this blog are always welcome!

  • E-mail required, one entry per person. Odds of winning are based on number of entries.
  • Contest ends at midnight on Sunday, July 6. No purchase necessary.
  • Winner will be chosen by Random.org and contacted by e-mail by Tuesday, July 8. Respond within 48 hours of notification or another winner will be chosen.
  • Eligibility: US residents, 18 and older

40 comments:

  1. I've read some of Tracie's earlier works, but not many of her more recent ones. I really enjoyed her Yukon Quest series!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  2. I have read one of Tracie's books, but would love a chance to read another! :)

    Writer_weaverATyahooDOTcom

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  3. I have read some of Tracie's books and they were all great. I loved the Yukon Quest and Alaskan Quest series.
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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  4. We do need to "take serious the danger of that 'little white lie'". If we compromise in the little things, it so easy to go down that slippery slope. There was a children's story about a boy that told a "little white lie" and that lie just got bigger and bigger that soon it had taken over the whole house and was forcing the family out of their home. It may start off small, but then gets so big that it takes control of everything.

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    seventysevensusieq[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  5. I have read Tracie's books and would enjoy the opportunity to read more. She is one of my favorite authors.

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    1. I totally agree, Judy! Be sure to leave your e-mail address if you want to be entered in the drawing.

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  6. Thank you Tracie and Carole for this wonderful interview!!

    I wholly agree with Tracie's words "take serious the danger of that little white lie" - when one lets his/her guard down for what he/she may consider an insignificant sin, it starts to become easier to excuse those sins considered more serious. As Tracie commented: "sin is sin"!!

    Tracie, you are such an inspirational writer and a godly influence on all you reach!! Thank you for always "shining His light" and using your gift to draw others to Him!! I can SO relate to the enemy attacking your health, peace of mind, and loved ones - I'm praying for your writing ministry as well as the above mentioned areas!! Love, blessings, and hugs to you, Tracie!!

    (Post shared on Facebook)





















































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  7. I have some of her books loaded onto my Nook & look forward to reading them soon.

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  8. Would love to read her books & I forgot to include my email. d_stevens 310@ live.com

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  9. Those books are waiting for me in my TBR pile, Kate! Be sure to leave your e-mail if you want to be entered in the drawing.

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  10. Very interesting post. I love learning about authors. I'm amazed at the number of books she as written. I would love to win a book.
    susanlulu(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  11. Thanks to all of you for visiting and leaving comments today. Best wishes in the drawing for Tracie's book!

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  12. I have read many of Tracie's books. My favorite series thus far has been the Ladies of Liberty series and the Belles of Lowell series. I get sucked in by Tracie's writing from the very first chapter and can't put the books down. I find myself a little sad at times knowing that I have finished a series. I always look forward to what's coming next and can't wait to read this next series coming out. Lei Somma lsomma65@gmail.com

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  13. I have not read any of Tracie' s books yet but there are quite a few on my book wish list. Tracie you put it in perfect words " a lie is a lie" I always say there is no little or big lie its just a lie! For a first time reader of your books which one of your books would you recommend to me . I love the covers of your books they are beautiful! Thank you for sharing and a chance to win. ~ blessings~ lisastifler(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  14. Yes, I agree, Ebooks are quite amazing. It is hard to believe the technology we have today. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

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  15. My favorite verses are the ones she mentioned from Ephesians! a_stonecipheratyahoodotcom

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  16. I've read several of Tracie's book and the ones I've read most recently are the Land of Shining Water series. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  17. I love that Tracie realizes and appreciates the importance of prayer. The power of prayer is great.

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  18. I've read so many books, I have difficulty determining whether I one or not! I think I am going to start keeping a log of books I've read. I will be keeping you in my prayers, and I pray God continues to use your books to minister to your readers! capileggi316 at Gmail

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  19. When I first started reading Christian fiction, Tracie is who I read. I think I have read almost all of her books except the latest releases. I love your series set in Alaska. But to pick a favorite? That is hard. Thankful you still write with the desire to share the gospel.
    Nancycooks4u (at) gmail (dot) com

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  20. Thank you Tracie and Carole for the interview!
    I have read some of Tracie's books and thoroughly enjoyed reading them. I look for her books often when I am shopping for books!

    I think we all struggle to understand what God is doing in our lives when difficult times happen. I always remind myself that He is working behind the scenes to create a beautiful tapestry out of my life and on those instances when He does not reveal to me why things happened as they did - maybe He is protecting me from that and I can be grateful for that as well.

    I am sorry to hear that secular publishing houses have taken over the Christian book industry especially in our world today where there seems to be more dislike for what we believe in and stand up for. My prayers are with you Tracie! I know with God He will create a path for you to continue to write and minister to others! Thank you for writing great Christian books - may He continue to bless your writing and thank you for your ministry!

    Lori

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    1. Thank you for expressing such beautiful thoughts, Lori! I think we all struggle with understanding during difficult times, and I have to constantly remind myself that God sees the big picture - the beautiful side of the tapestry of my life. Thank you for visiting and please leave your e-mail address if you want to be entered in the drawing.

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  21. Thank you for writing! I have every book of yours I can find! Love them!

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  22. Oops - sorry about that Carole - my email address is: triplel(at)evertek(dot)net.
    Thank you for featuring great authors Carole!

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  23. For me it is a toss-up between the Yukon Quest series and the Song of Alaska books. Guess I'm just a sucker for the Alaska books!!

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  24. Whoops. Forgot my email. It's wesnpam@fulton-net.com. Thanks!

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  25. Tracie thanks for allowing God to use you through your novels. Your books fill two shelves in our library and are two books deep! It has been a joy to share your books with the Book Club and others along the way. Thanks for your ministry.
    Carole thanks for the interview. It is always great to hear the author's heart.
    Diana drendon777ataoldotcom

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  26. The Alaskian Quest and the Yukon Quest series are the best of tracy Petersons books that I have read. csabbott73@gmail.com

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  27. Tracie, I love that you see your writing as a ministry. I see mine like that as well. Blessings to you!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

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  28. I love Tracie's books and I've nearly filled 2 shelves on my bookshelf at home with her books! I loved A Sensible Arrangement, and I especially love the series The Yukon Quest, The Bells of Lowell, and Land of the Lone Star.

    kleehar[at]gmail[dot]com

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  29. I love Tracie's books, my favorite series are the ones set in Alaska.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  30. I have Tracie's books in my TBR pile, but have not yet read any of them. "A Sensible Arrangement" would be a great place to start, though! I love hearing about authors whose primary focus is reaching others for the Lord and allowing the Lord to direct their writing. To paraphrase C.S. Lewis, the world doesn't need more Christian writers--it needs more writers who are Christians! :-)

    litteraegaudium(at)aol(dot)com

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  31. Light in the Window is my favorite. I'm probably a nurse because of it. Julotta is a close second. Cheryl A-mobilenurse@gmail.com

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  32. I've read and enjoyed the Quarryman's Bride. During your research what has been the oddest or most interesting bit of info you have found?
    jennydtipton(at)gmail(dot)com

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  33. Believe it or not, I haven't read any of Tracie's books, but I'd love to be introduced! Thanks for the interview and the giveaway. Danandlyndaedwards (at) msn (dot) com.

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  34. 2. I have learned from experience that little white lies tend to creep into bigger lies. It was something I had to fight for a long time.
    josieringer(at)gmail(dot)com

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  35. e's words, take serious the danger of that 'little white lie'"? Words that my Granny used to say to us. It touches my heart that Tracie cherishes our prayers.

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  36. I have read many of Tracie Peterson's books and have enjoyed all of them! The series that I enjoyed the most were The Brides of Gallatin County. Any stories about brides or brides to be are thrilling to read!

    Thank you for this interview and Tracie for sharing your ministry of writing with us! Thank you for this giveaway.
    jhorne1(at)live(dot)com

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  37. I really enjoyed her Yukon Quest series! Love Tracie's storytelling and the cover illustrations of her novels!

    silhouettesinscale@yahoo.com

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  38. Congratulations to Lori on winning a copy of Tracie's book! I e-mailed you a few minutes ago, Lori.

    Tracie, it has indeed been an honor to feature you this week. Many of us have loved your books over the years and appreciate your commitment to the Lord and the way you inspire us. I hope you will come back to The Power of Words soon.

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