July's Author of the Month: Tracie Peterson

"Juuuly!" 

Sometimes I like to say that word long and drawn out like the lady on Lonesome Dove. You know what I'm talkin' about, now don't pretend. *teehee*

Can you believe it? We're half way through the year, people!

Didn't you just love Jennifer Delamere?! What a delightful woman--so down to earth, fun...and not to mention ridiculously talented to boot! Her novel AN HEIRESS AT HEART is wonderful so please find it and read it if you haven't already.

As for "Juuuly!", (sorry, I couldn't help myself) have I got a treat for you! Before I tell you who I'm featuring let me give you a few fun clues. She has written over 100 books, loves God with all her heart and lives in Montana. Any guesses? Yep, you got it! Tracie Peterson!

I'm so happy to have Traice as my feature author this month. Yippee skippee!!!! The interview is below...you are so welcome. *wink*

Tell us about Tracie! Please include something fun and/or silly that we might not already know.

Fun or silly?  That pretty much defines me.  A while back while researching for a book I drove a stage coach. That was definitely fun and silly.  Silly because I had quite the time climbing the ten stories it took to get up to the driver’s seat.  I find myself in some pretty zany situations while researching.

What scripture or scripture story do you find most comforting/uplifting?

I just finished studying Genesis with the Bible Study Fellowship and found it to be a super blessing.  So many of the well known Bible stories come from Genesis and it was a great reminder.  Better still, I felt God really showed me how things fall apart when people try to rush God’s promises into existence.  That was powerful.

If you had three wishes what would they be? (These can be silly, or serious--whatever you want!)

On the serious side – I’d wish first and foremost for my granddaughter Rainy to be healed.  She has a chronic condition due to a cyst on the brain.  It causes all sorts of issues and she’s nearly died several times.  Second – I’d wish for wisdom for everybody.  The older I get, the more important wisdom is.  With wisdom for everyone we would know how to care for one another and live without strife.  Third, but most important, I wish Jesus would return and take us all home. J

On the silly side:  1. Have a slender, healthy body and the ability to eat whatever I wanted without it putting on an ounce.  2.  Not so silly – but definitely fun – to drive the AlCan Highway from Canada to Alaska.  3.  To have a money tree that bloomed constantly.

Of all the books you have written, which were the most challenging, the most rewarding and the most exciting?

I love how God works in each and every book I write.  He always teaches me something in the writing process and draws me closer to Him. Challenges come in many forms.  I’ve had a few times when sickness or death caused me to miss deadlines and have to ask for extensions.  Writing HOUSE OF SECRETS was a challenge in the research on schizophrenia and the RIBBONS OF STEEL and RIBBONS WEST series were challenging because of the research needed regarding the railroad industry.  Each book is a reward in and of itself.  I love writing and want each book to entertain, educate and encourage.

When you have down-time, and don't care to write, what do you like to do? 

There are a number of things.  I have very much loved my Bible studies – especially my Kay Arthur Precepts studies because they get me digging deep into word meanings and such.  I LOVE to learn.  I also love to embroider, crochet, play Plants vs. Zombies J on the computer and enjoy a good book.  I’m very much hoping heaven has a giant library.

BIO for Tracie Peterson

Tracie Peterson is the award winning, best-selling author of over 95 books. She makes her home in Montana with husband Jim and enjoys sharing the Gospel of Jesus through he
r fiction.  Tracie was awarded the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Christian Fiction Writer’s, an organization she helped to found in hopes of helping new authors. She and husband Jim also teach at writer’s conferences with special focus on new and unpublished authors as a part of the ministry God has given her.

Isn't she fabulous! You can feel her genuine spirit coming through, and I just love that! Thank you so much Tracie for taking part in my little interview--I've loved getting to know you more, what a joy!

For those of you who are interested--and you would be a fool NOT to be interested--Tracie has graciously offered to do a GIVEAWAY! Yes, ladies, that's right, and this in not your run-of-the-mill give away. Tracie has offered to give away her Land of the Lonestar SERIES and The Quarryman's Bride! You can't handle it, its so awesome-- I know!

RULES: To be entered to win you MUST follow this blog or my FB page and leave a comment. Simple as that! And no rafflecopter this time....name in a hat is where I'm at. *wink* (Hey,
that rhymes!)

Also, you may have noticed the GORGEOUS new cover for her book THE MINER'S LADY that releases in August of this year! SWEET! This entire series is great, so make sure you get your fingers on a copy of that one as well.

God bless you all--and God bless America! Have a wonderful 4th, and a wonderful "Juuuly!" *BIG grin*

Happy Reading!