Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for Final Grains of Sand by David Harder with JustRead Publicity Tours!
ABOUT THE BOOK
Title: Final Grains of Sand
Author: David Harder
Publisher: Ambassador International
Release Date: April 23, 2018
Genre: General Fiction
How well do we truly know people?
When James Kreider receives the devastating news his life is being cut short with cancer, he is immediately filled with shock and disbelief. At 60 years, Jim is too young to die and believes he has a whole life ahead of him. When the reality of his impending demise sinks in, Jim methodically prepares for his final days, including trying to heal old wounds. With a dash of life’s regrets and unfinished business, Jim’s hours are spent pondering the legacy he will leave for his friends and children.
In preparing for the end, Jim selects five individuals to represent his life at the funeral service. This group includes Jim’s boss, his personal physician, a neighbor, the pastor of his church, and a woman whom Jim was involved with in a long-term affair. None of the individuals know each other or why they were chosen. Summoned to the office of Jim’s attorney, the representatives disclose emotions and information few individuals want to hear. Reluctantly, they agree to share every facet of their friend.
Jim’s story not only transforms the five representatives but alters the lives of the funeral guests.
At the heart of Final Grains of Sand,this thought-provoking novel gives readers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the way they see others, as well as how they portray themselves to those around, and to help readers realize the value of one's life is less about the length of time, but rather how we touch other people through our actions and words.
PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Christian Book
Q&A WITH DAVID
Q: Can you tell me the "story
behind the story" for Final Grains of Sand?
A: I was speaking with someone, and they described
their father who had died recently. As they shared his story, I discovered a
lot about a man I never knew, but wish I had met. He accomplished quite a bit
in his life and I thought, how unfortunate we don’t really get know some people
until they’re gone. This became the genesis for the book. I wanted to convey
the message that we really don’t understand a person without sharing all the
facets of that individual and unfortunately, we wait until it’s too late. We
can make a difference every day with the people we encounter.
Q: So true! How would you react if you were
given the same news James receives?
A: I actually thought about your question while
writing the book. I once had the unique experience of witnessing an Irish wake.
For three days, the deceased lie reposed on the dining table while friends,
family, and guests sat around singing, toasting, and telling stories about the
person who died. If I received the same news as James, I would make every
minute count, and I would plan a similar wake (with my ashes of course).
Q: What do you hope readers takeaway
from the story?
A: Value every relationship, even the obscure,
sporadic, casual encounters of daily living. We have a positive or negative
impact with the people around us. Second, life is a limited commodity; make
your life count for something.
Q: I love that. Good takeaways. What's something about you that
would surprise your readers?
A: I’ve been married four times. It wasn’t until
recently, that I discovered I was married three times to someone with my
father’s personality—all in hopes of changing the outcome of the relationship.
My current wife is an unexpected gift from heaven because prior to her, I had
given up all hope of ever being in a relationship again. While I selected the
first three, God appointed Emily for me, and with her, I’ve discovered what
unconditional love is.
Q: That's beautiful. Who are three authors who've
inspired you?
A: John Grisham, James Michener, and Jerry
Jenkins – all of these authors tell a great inspiring and engaging story.
Q: Yes, they do. I have read many books by those authors. What advice do you have for beginning
writers?
A: Never give up! Always pursue your dream! Make
every word count! Most of all, realize writing takes time.
Q: Great advice! You have a military background
(Thank you for your service!). When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?
Thank you. I served in the Navy during the
Vietnam conflict 1970-1974.
I entered college at age 40, and there the
roots of writing began. Growing up, I squeaked by school English with just
passing grades. I’m sure most of my high school teachers are turning in their
graves knowing I’ve become a published author. I was part of a learning
experiment early in my life where they taught speed-reading in primary school.
We were tested every year and by time we reached high school graduation, nearly
all of the group failed English. The state canceled the program. As a result, I
didn’t learn to read until I entered college. Reading was a tortuous experience
until someone had me slow down and read aloud. Then I discovered the richness
of stories and books. Now, I constantly read multiple books. I received high
grades for my written work in college and began writing stories for fun. The
feedback fueled my passion for writing and the critiques motivated me to
improve.
Q: What would you be doing if you
weren't an author?
A: I once thought about being a custom, hands-on
lingerie designer, creating one-of-a-kind secret underwear. I don’t believe the
market exists, so I would be a pioneer. I’m kidding of course. When I was a
kid, I wanted to be an archeologist. I love the outdoors and have the beard. Instead,
though, life took a different turn. One of my side passions is watching
programs and reading about archeology discoveries around the world.
Ha! You would be a pioneer for sure! Archeology would be interesting, too.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm sure my readers will enjoy getting to know a bit more about you and your book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Harder has been writing for more than twenty-five years. His novels are inspiring stories about individuals who influence their world in unique ways.
David grew up in southern California and served in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict. He traveled the world for businesses with cutting-edge technologies in computer and data-storage. As part of his career, he wrote for trade journals and created marketing materials within the computer industry. A graduate of San Jose College with a degree in business, he also studied at Santa Clara University towards a degree in international business.
After retiring, David focused on two passions: writing and clay art. He uses his wheel and clay during demonstrations in churches to deliver a powerful testimony, visualizing how God shapes our lives for different purposes-no matter how old we are, and even if we seem to be a failure.
David is a graduate of Vineyard Institute in biblical studies and leadership. He resides in the Prescott area of Arizona.
CONNECT WITH DAVID: Website | Facebook | Twitter
TOUR GIVEAWAY
AND (1) winner will receive 1 ebook (open internationally except where prohibited by law)
Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight May 14, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm May 21, 2019. US only. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here
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