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Thursday, August 22, 2013

Interview & Giveaway! Siri Mitchell ~ Author of Unrivaled!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Siri!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 
Thanks for having me! As an author of historical fiction, I’m interested in the way women lived and thought and survived in the past. My characters usually find themselves at the crossroads of faith and culture and I seem to be drawn to time periods or historical anecdotes that haven’t received much attention in fiction. Since I’ve always love history, I have a personal goal of trying to make my stories true to the times. I always hope that readers will not only enjoy my stories, but also come away with new insights into the past.

What is your book, Unrivaled, about? 
In Unrivaled, the son and daughter of feuding candy makers develop an attraction for each other, despite not quite being able to ignore the rivalry between their fathers. I’ve been calling this book my Romeo and Juliet story…only it features candy along with a happy ending.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? Starbucks is my hometown coffee shop. Seriously. I went to the University of Washington in Seattle when there were only two Starbucks in the entire world. It’s official: I’m old.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Not until after I had graduated from college. I had always enjoyed writing assignments, but it wasn’t until a move to Paris that I had the time to start experimenting with writing a novel.

How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite? 
Twelve of my books have been published. Numbers thirteen and fourteen have been written and are in the editing process. I would hate to have to pick a favorite; I love them all for different reasons.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I realized, several books ago, that in the first few drafts of my manuscripts, none of my characters is wearing any clothes! It’s in later drafts that I do the research to figure out what they should be wearing and actually dress them up.

Where do you like to write? 
I have an office at home. A room all to myself of which Virginia Woolf would be truly envious.

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?
The best part is breathing life into characters that have existed only in my head. The worst part is coming to terms with the fact that not every reader is going to like them.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
I love reading fiction for pleasure. I don’t do it often since I usually have a stack of research books waiting to be read.

What is your favorite genre to read and why?
I read widely across genres, but I have a deep and abiding fondness for those old Cold War spy-thrillers.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?
Argentina and Antarctica. Then I’ll be able to say that I’ve visited all seven continents.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 
Deuteronomy 33:26: "There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty.” (NIV)

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie? 
I’ve always loved While You Were Sleeping.

What is your favorite holiday? 
I like New Year’s Day and Boxing Day. They’re times when the stress of holidays are over, you don’t have to decorate, and there are no expectations.

A few this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Snowstorms, as long as I can stay warm and cozy inside.
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla.
Tea or Coffee? Coffee. No cream, no sugar.
Call or Text? E-mail.
Cats or Dogs? Dogs.
Early-bird or Night-owl?  Not too, too early in the morning…
Facebook or Twitter? A nice face-to-face chat over a cup of coffee.
Sneakers or Sandals? A really cute pair of sneakers.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint? 
Yes! I’m editing next spring’s release (Love Comes Calling), set in 1924 Boston. I loved writing this book. It has a very fun, very fresh, 1920s madcap feel to it. I’m also reading up for the book I’ll start writing this fall. It’s set in mid-nineteenth century England and so far, it’s shaping up to be a My Fair Lady sort of story.

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? 
Thanks for having me! I have so enjoyed roaming the forgotten halls of history as I write and I try to make each new book a better reading experience than the ones which came before it. I hope you have as much fun reading Unrivaled as I had writing it! Please come visit me at:
My website: http://sirimitchell.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Siri-Mitchell/67961379554
Twitter @SiriMitchell
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sirimitchell/

Book Giveaway!


Enter to win a print copy of Unrivaled by Siri Mitchell! Giveaway is open INT and ends 9/5.

To enter, be sure to sign into the Rafflecopter form (below) and click “enter” on each entry you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

81 comments:

  1. I love While You Were Sleeping too- although the first time I saw it was on a first date and I totally cried at the end :)

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  2. Great interview! "Unrivaled" sounds like it will be a wonderful book. Thanks for the contest Melanie!

    P.S. Is Siri the first author you have featured that hasn't preferred thunderstorm over snowstorms?

    Have a great day, G.

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    1. There have been others, though recently most have chosen thunderstorms. :) I personally love snowstorms. :)

      Thanks for commenting!

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  3. travel on the seven continent isn't something i though of... artantica... on tv oki in real better to stay warm at home for me^^

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  4. I enjoywd the interview and learning more about you Siri. I have enjoyed reading your books! This book looks so good as well! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

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  5. Romeo, Juliet, an HEA...and CANDY? Must be a winner!

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  6. What a fun giveaway! I LOVE each of Siri's books that I've read, and can't wait to read Unrivaled! Thanks for the chance to win. =)

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. I love this interview! Siri seems like a very down-to-earth, sweet person. I haven't read her books yet but after reading this interview I will definitely pick one up! Thanks for the giveaway :)

    marykate dot sullivan711 at gmail dot com

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  8. I have read this book and I totally loved it!!!! If I win this book I will give it away to someone who has not read it, possibly even do a giveaway on my blog. Kind of like the gift that keeps on giving! I loved the interview and getting to know Siri better. I can't wait to read her new book that will be out next Spring.
    Debbie
    wfbcmediacenter(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. I have been wanting to read this book for a while! I would love to win a copy of it!

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  10. Always looking for new authors to read. Cannot wait to read this one!

    Delinda Mauney
    delindamauney@hotmail.com

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  11. Thanks for the interview ladies. I think I've read 4 or 5 of Siri's books, will have to look up some of the others that I might have missed. The ones I've read have been great!

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  12. Sounds like a great book. Excited to read it!

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  13. Thank you so much for this fantastic book giveaway! x

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  14. Great interview! I love Siri Mitchell.

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  15. Interesting interview. I have several of Siri's books on my to-read list and would love to win this one!

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  16. I enjoyed the interview. I think I've read and enjoyed a few of Siri's books. I am looking forward to reading the other ones.

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  17. I love Siri Mitchell's books. I would like to read this one.

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  18. Ohh! I can't wait for Love Comes Calling! It looks so good :)

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  19. I love Siri's books love comes calling sounds interesting...love the cover of unrivaled.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  20. What a fantastic interview, Siri and Melanie! Siri, I love that you're a romance writer who reads spy-thrillers! Thrillers and romance is right up my alley. Feuding candy-makers? Love, love the unique premise. Thanks for hosting this giveaway. I recently finished "The Messenger" and loved it, so of course I am anxious to get my hands on another novel by Siri Mitchell. Bless you!

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  21. I've been wanting to read this book SO BAD!!! LOL!!! I LOVE the plot with the confections! There aren't many books I've seen with this background and since I have a HUGE sweet tooth :) I think I'll really enjoy it! :D

    Hope I get to read it! :)

    Thanks for the opportunity to win it!

    I love that you prefer face to face instead of internet. Too many people don't anymore. :/

    Blessings, Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)

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  22. I am a huge fan of Siri Mitchell! I would love to read this. Thanks for the chance.

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  23. Ah, I'm a vanilla, email, sneakers sort of gal too. I do have to have flavor in my coffee though. I really enjoy the little known tidbits of history you weave into your books. I'm a fan and would love to win.
    Blessings~
    Naomi

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  24. I love the summary and I love both covers! The writing quirk cracked me up! Great interview!

    Tressa @ Tressa's Wishful Endings

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  25. Well,this book looks unique
    Your reader,
    Soma
    http://insomnia-of-books.blogspot.com/

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  26. Love this cover and the book sounds great. Thank you for the chance to win it.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  27. That was funny about your characters not having any clothes on. That's what I admire about authors...you have to thinking of every stinking detail...

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  28. I enjoy your books! It would be so much fun to win!

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  29. I enjoyed the interview. I hope you get a chance to visit the last two continents. I love your Christian fiction. When I see your name, I know it's a good book. Thanks for giving me a chance to win Unrivaled.

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  30. I love the cover. I really want to win this book because it sounds so good. I think it's pretty funny that you realize none of your characters were wearing clothes and had to dress them. At least you were able to be a fashionista!!!

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  31. Thanks for the interview and for the give-away. I'm glad that you dress you characters so well; that really adds a lot to the mental picture we have when we are reading. I'd love to win a copy of Unrivaled. cespeary (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  32. Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    Sarah Richmond
    sarahrichmond.12@gmail.com

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  33. I love historical fiction and always appreciate the amount of research an author does for their book.

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  34. Forgot to leave my email: lag110 at mchsi dot com

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  35. Thanks for this give-a-way. Always fun to participate.
    Amanda Travis
    amanda.travis@yahoo.com

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  36. I would love to read this.

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  37. I agree with the snowstorms vs thunderstorms, not that we get very many snowstorms in TX. :-)
    Brittany McEuen

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  38. I love to read. Christian fiction is my all time favorite of mine. I would love to be able too win your book and read it.
    I love the snow, skiing is my all time favorite and also making snow angels in fresh untouched snow
    Thanks for the giveaway Danielle Walther

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  39. I love historic fiction and I keep meaning to read Siri Mitchell's books. The one coming out next looks really neat. Stories set in the 20s are so fun!

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  40. Yay! Best of luck everyone. :)

    ...and Siri, I am very much looking forward to your upcoming novel. It's shaping up to look like a charming read.

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  41. Good interview today, I have read some of this author and like her stories. Some of her answers surprised me, but then how much can you really know an author..I would like to be in this drawing and read this book...
    thanks for sharing
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  42. Great interview! I loved to read it and I love your books. I especially think the covers are beautiful and go along with the stories so well.

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  43. I've read most of Siri's historical fiction books and really enjoyed learning more about history through them. I like the extra details she gives us (like the info about corsets in She Walks in Beauty and the arsenic in the face paint during Queen Elizabeth's reign in A Constant Heart).
    Thank you for giving away a copy of Unrivaled. I'd be very pleased to win!

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  44. I have your book, "A Heart Most Worthy" on my stack of "to be read as soon as possible" right now! :D I have definitely been keeping your titles on my list of things I hope to read! :)

    Thanks for sponsoring a giveaway for those of us outside of the US! ;)

    ~Bekah

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  45. I love this interview and it makes me couldn't hardly wait to read this book. Good job, Siri

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  46. I love you blog it has so much for every one. thanks for the opportunity to recieve this book. I have been trying to read other authors besides my regular and this looks like a great book

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  47. Historical fiction is my favorite, throw in the Christian aspect and you have the best of both worlds. Have you read any of Lizz Curtis Higgs Christian Historical novels? She is good but would love to try a new author with the same genre. Thanks,
    Kathy Davis
    kdavis1@centurytel.net

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  48. Enjoyed your interview, Siri! Sounds like a cute story - haven't read any of your books & would love to become acquainted with them by reading this one. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  49. congratulation for the new release...
    can't wait to read ;)

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  50. Beautiful covers, I really hope that I will have the chance to read the new release. I love dogs too.
    I haven't read any of your books I hope that I will have this chance.

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  51. Emjoyed the great interview! This book sounds fantastic! Can't wait to read it! Love the beautiful cover! Would love to win!
    Barbara Thompson
    barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  52. Thanks for the giveaway! I love While You Were Sleeping, too!

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  53. I really like the feuding candy angle and maybe I would even be able to read this to our younger kids for the candy interest. Maybe you can write a book on the feuding coffee families: Peets and Starbucks.

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  54. Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to read this.

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  55. Fun giveaway! I have heard so many good things about this book but have yet to read it!
    Bookwormgal2011(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  56. Really loved this interview. It was nice getting to know you, Siri. Your personality shone through it.

    Thanks, Melanie, for the giveaway opportunity.

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  57. Thanks so much for the interview! Unrivaled sounds like a great book. :) Have a wonderful weekend!

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  58. Congrats Siri on the book! I can't wait to read it. What is it about the era that draws you to it to write about?

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  59. It would be something to visit all 7 continents. Unrivaled sounds so interesting, thanks for the chance to win it.

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  60. Loved the interview with Siri. Thanks for having her here and having the give-away. I would love to win her book.
    WOW1 Siri you have sure traveled a lot. Must be nice to be able to do that, tho there are some places I would not want to go. What would worry me would be not knowing the language. Sure hope to win your book. Maxie
    mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  61. I have never read any of your books. I would love to read and review them.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  62. Congratulation for the new release!!
    Siri, you're new author for me, i would love to have chance to read your book.
    Thanks for chance to win her book. :)

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  63. Thanks for the opportunity to get your new book.

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  64. Oh, I read another one of her books last year...which one was it? I remember really liking it, and learning about how truly awful some of the corsets/customs were. Learned a lot of important things. I thought the cultural atmosphere was really well done.

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  65. I love the interview. I'd love to read the book :)

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  66. I love reading and reviewing Christian fiction...Although, I don't think I've read anything by Siri Mitchell yet. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

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  67. I reviewed one of your books in the past. Would love to win and review another.
    jrs362 at Hotmail dot com

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  68. Siri,
    I am devouring and enjoying your books as soon as I can find them. Kissing Adrien was a hoot; I just loved it. I liked Chateau of Echoes so well that I had to add it to my bookshelf so I can reread it whenever I like. It's that good! I like the more recent novels too; you are truly gifted. I am SO looking forward to reading this new book. Thanks for the giveaway; please keep writing!

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  69. I loved reading your interview and it's a pleasure to meet you. After reading the interview I am going to have to look for some of your books. They sound wonderful as I am a romantic as well as a history buff.

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  70. I haven't yet read anything by Siri Mitchell, but she sounds like such an interesting person that I imagine I will enjoy her books. I do love historical fiction and appreciate authors who make the effort to write historically accurate fiction.

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  71. Children of candy makers! Sounds interesting. :)

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  72. I'm in. Thanks. Now I'm going to try to tweet about it.

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  73. I love your books, Siri! I really want to read Unrivaled.

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  74. Excellent review! I would love to ad this book!

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  75. love comes calling looks so fun! i have loved all the books i've read by this author!

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