Lindsay has graciously offered to give away a paperback copy (US ONLY) of this new release. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends March 23, 2018. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.) Here's Lindsay...
The story behind the story...
The very first thing that sparked
this story idea was a feature story I heard on the radio about a woman who went
skydiving because her heart donor had always wanted to. I thought, “Wouldn’t it
be cool if someone fulfilled all the bucket list items on someone else’s list?”
From there, Megan’s story began to form in my mind. I actually dreamed up her
twin sister Crystal’s story much later, after my agent challenged me to make
her more than an antagonist. Since I grew up with a mother who was chronically
ill for much of my childhood, I was easily able to imagine what it was like to
grow up with a sick sister—and how it might have affected Crystal in the long
term.
Q & A with Lindsay...
Q: Let's start with a few serious questions. What message do you hope readers take
away from your story?
A: I truly hope everyone who reads Megan and Crystal’s story
knows without a doubt that reconciliation is possible, that fear is a liar, and
that we were made to experience freedom. In addition, I want readers to come
away with a new desire to live their own lives to the fullest.
Q: Definitely some important takeaways! What can you tell us about your next
project?
A: I turned it in February 1, and it won’t release until next February
(everything in publishing takes a long time!). It’s called The Secrets of Paper and Ink (don’t you just love that title?!) and
it’s about a broken woman who travels to Cornwall, England—the setting of her
favorite author’s novels—to find the courage to write her own story.
Q: I love the title, and I can't wait to read it! Finally, what's your favorite writing-related
book?
A: Anything by Susan May Warren is a goldmine. I learned how to write a
novel primarily from attending My Book Therapy workshops and reading Susie’s
craft books. The Story Equation is
one of her best!
Q: Now, a few fun questions. What's one thing about you that would
surprise your readers?
A: It might surprise them to know that I was in a Christian
rock band in college. J Now I’m more of a musical theater nerd, but I had some
fun back in the day rocking out on the microphone!
Q: Ooh, I wonder if anything can be found on YouTube 😃 Do you have any writing rituals (such
as a particular pen, outfit, or music) you must have or do when writing?
A: Not
really—I just really crave silence. I usually write when my kids are napping
and I’m down on the couch curled under a blanket (if it’s cold, which it
currently is!) plunking away on my laptop. I do always make sure I have a
tumbler full of ice water and/or iced tea right next to me, as well as a
notebook and pen on the side table in case any thoughts come to me. I process
things better when writing them down by hand (though I’m not one of those
people who writes an entire first draft by hand or anything like that!).
Q: Who are three fictional people you'd
like to meet?
A: Anne Shirley (for her spunk), Elizabeth Bennet (for her wit), and
Melanie Hamilton Wilkes (for her ability to see the best in people)
Q: Great choices! Thanks so much for stopping by, Lindsay. I'm sure my readers will enjoy getting to know a bit more about you and your latest release.
Link to my review on the RTBookreviews website
(I rated it 4.5 stars - TOP PICK!)
About Lindsay...
Lindsay
Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and
two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of
writing and editing jobs over the years and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood
with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children,
Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by
Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. Connect with her at www.LindsayHarrel.com.
Where you can find her online...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lindsay-Harrel/e/B01LX6E90S/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1517348391&sr=8-1
a Rafflecopter giveaway
