Monday, February 7, 2011

Alice J. Wisler author interview and book giveaway!

Hatteras Girl

Alice thanks for taking the time to visit us today! I appreciate you
answering these few questions. It will be fun to get to know you better.
Tell us a little about yourself.


How long did you write before you were published?


Hi, Wanda! Thanks for taking the time to interview me on your site. I've
been writing fiction ever since I was six. I'd create little
stapled-and-stick-figure booklets and give them to my first grade teacher.
She'd have me read them in front of the class.

My first novel came out in 2008, but I self-published two cookbooks of
memory before that time. I also wrote for various publications like
Standard's Devotions and bereavement magazines.


Tell us about “Hatteras Girl,” the featured book.


Hatteras Girl came out in 2010, and takes place on the Outer Banks of
North Carolina, a great vacation spot filled with sunny days and lots of
wind. Jackie, the main character, has two dreams. She wants to meet a
great guy to marry and she wants to run the Bailey House, a local bed and
breakfast that has been shut down. Obstacles get in the way and Jackie
has to learn to wait on God.

I'd like to own a bed and breakfast (love staying in them), but am too
lazy, so I let Jackie do the work in Hatteras Girl.


Is there any person
who has been a strong influence in your writing journey?


My first grade teacher, Miss Terwilliger, was a big encouragement. Also,
my fellow missionary kid friend, Josephine.


What message do you want to be clear to your readers?


Life is messy. Faith is hard to hold onto at times.
God is never changing. His love for us reaches high above the heavens.
I don't think we can fathom the vastness of it--it is a perfect love.



What are some of your likes and dislikes? Your hobbies, interests? Where
do you like to vacation?


I enjoy heading out to the Outer Banks when I can. I love the beach! We
have a boat and I like to speed along on it. I get some of my best ideas
while on our runabout boat that is named after my first novel, Rain Song.
Of course, since I grew up in Japan as a missionary kid, I also enjoy
traveling abroad. I enjoy cooking, baking, reading, watching movies with
my husband, and hot cups of Earl Grey. (I love Earl Grey tea.)


Tell us a little-known fact about yourself that readers may not know.


The first karaoke song I ever sang was "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover."
On my recent birthday, I sang a song in Japanese by a pop singer I grew up
with, Go Hiromi. No one in the audience could understand a word of it, so
when I sang a line incorrectly, no one knew but me.



How do you spend your writing days? Do you set goals to reach a certain
number of words per day? Can you give us a general idea of how long it
takes you to write a novel?


Once the kids are off to school, I write. I set word goals, usually 2,000
to 3,000 words a day. If I don't, I won't get anything on my novel
accomplished. I like to have eight months to write, edit, and complete a
novel. I also teach Writing the Heartache Workshops, so some of my weeks
are consumed with reading my students' assignments.


What are you currently reading?


I just finished a non-fiction book called "The Boy Who Loved Tornadoes."
Great read about how our medical system often does not know what to do
with children who have challenging and "different" mental illnesses.


Do you grow flowers or vegetables? What are your favorite flowers?


I love irises and I do have them in my garden. I love them because they
hold a connection to my son Daniel who died from cancer treatments at age
four in 1997.


What are you writing now?


My current novel is about a North Carolina quilt-maker who sells her home
and lives in a RV. She travels in it to visit friends, and her goal is to
make it to the Grand Canyon. I'm calling it Fragrance of Marigolds after a
short piece I wrote about how life calls us to live now, even if we are
sorrowful or longing for days gone by.


How can readers find you on the Internet?


My website has been updated! Please visit: http://www.alicewisler.com



And thanks for spending this time with us, Alice.
We wish you much success.


Thank you, Wanda! And thanks to each person for reading this interview.




My Review of Hatteras Girl
http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspot.com/2011/01/hatteras-girl-by-alice-j-wislera-review.html




Leave a comment with your name and email address. You will not be entered unless you leave a comment AND your email address.
Be a follower, subscribe to my blog updates or join my networked blog on face book for extra entries.

Contest is only open in the US & Canada.
Chances of winning are based on the number of entries and winner is draw from a non-biased third party- Random.org.
ENTRY DEADLINE February 21, 2011

55 comments:

Mona said...

I love books set in B & B's. Please enter me.

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

GFC follower(MonaG)

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

Email subscriber

monagarg@yahoo.com

Mona said...

Joined networked blog on FB(Mona Garg)

monagarg@yahoo.com

Cindy said...

Thank you for offering the giveaway. Sounds like a great read.

cindymacbeth@gmail.com

Joanne Sher said...

Sounds wonderful - would love to enter. I'm a follower through google AND networked blogs.

joanne(at)joannesher(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

Same here, I would love to run a B&B but I am too lazy. Would love to read this book and get a vicarious thrill from it.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I am a confirmed e-mail subscriber.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I follow you publicly with Google Friend Connect.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I also follow your blog with Networked blogs.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

MaureenT said...

I would love to read your book...am so sorry about your little one.

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I follow on GFC

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I am an email subscriber.

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

MaureenT said...

I subscribe to your Networked blog.

alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

kykitty said...

Awesome interview. Cannot wait to read the book. Would love to win it.

kykitty@att.net

Linda Kish said...

This sounds like a great book!

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Meredith said...

I'd love to run a B&B when I retire, but I'm not sure my back is going to last that long! Would love to read this book!

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Meredith said...

Email subscriber.

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Meredith said...

GFC follower.

meredithfl at gmail dot com

rubynreba said...

Excellent interview and looks like a great book.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

rubynreba said...

I am a follower.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

brumblemom said...

Carly Kendall got me atarted on Alice's books and I LOVE them- thanks for the great blog on Hatteras Girl!!! Would Love to have a copy!!!!
Lee Ann lbrumble@triad.rr.com

Unknown said...

Carman sent me
email address: leah 49 at gmail dot com

Jennifer said...

I am a follower!

jmschwindt0306 at gmail dot com

Erica said...

This one of my favorite authors! :)

zambiaparrot(at)gmail(dot)com

Erica said...

I'm a follower! :)

zambiaparrot(at)gmail(dot)com

Debra Chapoton, author said...

I'm a follower.
bigpinelodge at gmail dot com

Hannah said...

Carman sent me and I would love a chance at winning this book!

hannah(dot)subrosa(at)gmail(dot)com

Nancye said...

I have been wanting to read this book for a while now. I would love to win a copy.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

GFC Follower

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

email subscriber

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I follow you on Networked Blogs

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Mozi Esme said...

I'd love the chance to read this!

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

holdenj said...

Sounds like a great book to read, a little summer in winter! I love irises too and have several colors in my garden.
Thanks for the chance to win.

JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Karen F said...

I'd love to be entered!
kkfoster35 at msn dot com

Jordan said...

I'm a new follower.

I'm from the wonderful state of North Carolina, so it's always a blast to read about familiar places. This one looks great!

Jordan
lizzielaura(at)yahoo(dot)com

Katie said...

I'd love to win this!

kateh12783@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I would love to win this for my mother.

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

follow on GFC

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

subscribe to blog updates

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

follow on NB

ceis8009 at yahoo dot com

windycindy said...

I live in the Midwest and have been to
the Outer Banks three times...
It is a beautiful area and I love the
Wild Mustangs...
Please enter me in your delightful book
giveaway drawing!
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

I follow your blog via Google
Friend Connect (windycindy).
Again, thanks very much...
Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

Email subscriber...
Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

windycindy said...

I follow you on Networked Blogs!
Merci, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Unknown said...

This is a book I've tried to win in other giveaways. Do you suppose I'll be lucky this time? It seems to be a great read and I enjoy reading very much. Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win. I hope I win.

Sharing His Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Kelly Massman said...

I'd love to win this! It sounds like fun! Thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Kelly Massman said...

I'm a new follower!
Thanks!
kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

Renee G said...

I would enjoy reading this one and look forward to reading the next book that is set on the journey to the grand canyon.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(Dot)com

Unknown said...

I just found this and would love to read this book. I have it on my book list to buy. Thanks so much for offering it. I found your site from Carmen

Unknown said...

New follower. Came by way of Carmen. I love the cover and have had this book on my list to get for so long. Would be deligthed to win.

Charlotte Kay said...

I would love to win this book and travel to the Grand Canyon:)
Thanks for the opportunity!
Blessings and Smiles:)
Charlotte Kay
charlovesmark at gmail dot com

Charlotte Kay said...

I am a GFC follower:)
Charlotte Kay
charlovesmark at gmail dot com

Charlotte Kay said...

I am an email subscriber:)
Charlotte Kay
charlovesmark at gmail dot com

Charlotte Kay said...

I follow on Networked Blogs
Charlotte Bushong Saltzman
Charlotte Kay
charlovesmark at gmail dot com