Interview & Giveaway! Heather Dawn ~ Author of DRAGONS of EL SHADDAI Ancient Bloodline!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Heather!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 
Well, I am first and foremost a wife and mom.  I've been married 10 years and have three girls.  I like learning new things, especially if they are hard.  I usually listen more than I talk so it's hard for me to think of things to tell you about myself.  lol

What is your book, DRAGONS of EL SHADDAI Ancient Bloodline, about? 
Now that I can talk about!  First off,  Ancient Bloodline is a three part story inside of the DRAGONS of EL SHADDAI series.  This is the first of them (Subtitled The Beginning)  It is a faith based fantasy/sci-fi that is aimed at the YA audience.  The main character, Jack Senifah, is a teenager who has dreamed of becoming a dragonrider for most of his life.  His birth parents were murdered when he was a kid and that has really helped him to focus on reaching his goal.  Jack has never gotten over it really, but I don't suppose that is something you get over.  He is confused about God because of it, even to the point of questioning God's existence.  Before he arrives at the dragonrider trials (which is somewhat like boot camp on steroids), a dragon informs Jack that if he expects to be picked by a dragon then it is very important to make his peace with God.  Obviously, that doesn't sit very well with him.  So, he must endure the trials (and pass), as well as figure out how to come to terms with the Creator so he can achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a rider.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? 
I despise doing laundry.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
I don't think I ever actually realized it. lol.  I just started doing it.  I have always enjoyed making up stories and acting them out.  (I write plays for my church's drama team.) I wrote a lot of poetry in high school (doesn't everybody?)  But getting published never really entered my thoughts until this particular story popped in my brain.  It is a story of epic proportions.  DRAGONS of EL SHADDAI is actually a series.  Ancient bloodline is the beginning.  I have always loved the idea of dragons, but never really found a story that I was totally happy with.  One day, after reading a recent story and being disappointed yet again, I decided I would write one for myself.  I got my husband and a few friends to read some of what I was writing and they all loved it so I decided to polish it up and put it out there.

How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite? 
This is my first attempt at something bookish.

Where do you like to write? 
Anywhere inspiration hits!

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer? 
The best is when people enjoy the story that I've given to them.  It does my heart good to see them excited about something that I love too. It makes a connection between us that maybe we wouldn't have had before.  The worst part is edits and cuts!  I know they make it better, but man does it hurt!

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
Family time, reading, watching movies, building replica light sabers, helping at my church, and riding our motorcycle (not on the back though).

What is your favorite genre to read and why?
Hmm, that's hard.  It depends on my mood I suppose.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 
Hard to narrow it down.  "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:13 (NIV)  and All things work together for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Rom 8:28 (NIV)

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie? 
I have very eclectic taste so I don't really have a favorite.  Just depends on the moment.

What is your favorite holiday? 
Easter

A few this-or-that questions:
Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? No thanks
Chocolate or Vanilla?  Chocolate
Tea or Coffee? tea
Call or Text? I have three small kids.. text!
Early-bird or Night-owl? midday
Facebook or Twitter? facebook

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint? 
I sure am!  It's the next book in the series and it follows Jack to a new location.  A place called Sanktus, the Dark City.

Thank you so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web?
I post book updates on my blog www.akingsqueen.blogspot.com  I also put some info on there that may or may not make it into the books so those who follow the blog get a more in depth picture of things.  (It's kinda like the deleted scenes selection on your dvd)

Giveaway!

Enter to win a paperback copy of DRAGONS of EL SHADDAI Ancient Bloodline by Heather Dawn. Giveaway is open Internationally and ends 7/4. To enter, be sure to sign into the Rafflecopter form and click “enter” on each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!

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