 |
| Photo Credit: Michael Sloane |
I am a follower of Christ, wife, and mother of three girls. My oldest just started kindergarten and we are homeschooling. I love to read with my girls and tell them stories. My oldest often asks me to “tell a story with your mouth” and I do my best!
I have an older sister who says I wasn’t cool until I had kids. We now speak on the phone every morning when we get a chance.
I went to a Christian High School and graduated from Ecola Bible School when I was 19. I briefly attended Boise State University and Multnomah Bible College. I really enjoy digging deep into the Word of God. There is nothing more exciting to me than discovering more and more about Him through the Bible.
What is your novel, The Earth is Full, about?
There are a few storylines that parallel: one about a young girl in Thailand that has been sold by her mother into the sex-trade. Her life is dark and hopeless until she meets a couple that offers her freedom. She can’t decide if they are trustworthy.
Also it is about two sisters from America in very different stages in life: one a snotty teenager with a secret and one a Christian stay-at-home mom that is struggling to find joy even though she is living her dreams.
They are unexpectedly sent on a mission trip to Thailand to help an organization that rescues girls from the sex-trade. God, in His unique and wonderful way, is at work rescuing them all.
What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?
I love to cook and bake. When my in-laws come to visit they always want to know what we are going to eat that week. It’s funny because I was a terrible cook when I was first married.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
In third grade. I wrote a book called, “Bug Teeth” and my teacher was very encouraging about how well it was written. I felt like I’d really found my calling. I still have that story somewhere.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
My hands get really cold when I’m writing, and I had to make myself a pair of fingerless gloves to keep my fingers from going stiff.
Where do you like to write?
I have a big cozy chair in our living room that I like to sit in. I rest my feet on the ottoman and balance my tiny notebook computer on my lap. I feel like I’m still with the family, although I’m lost in an imaginary world and it takes them a while to get through to me if they want my attention.
What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer?
Best is having a creative way to work through thoughts or questions about life. Worst is that I don’t sleep very well when I have a story in my mind. I feel like my feet are in two different worlds.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love riding bikes with my family, going to coffee with friends, and watching cheesy old movies while my husband and kids groan in protest.
What is your favorite genre to read and why?
I love historical fiction and Christian fiction, because I love to experience different eras from a character’s perspective. I also prefer to spend my time reading being encouraged and challenged in my faith.
Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?
Rome, Israel, Ireland, Thailand, Cambodia…and I would really like to visit the East Coast.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
It changes based on what the Lord is teaching me at the time. Right now I’m studying Hebrews and verses 12-16 in chapter 4 are worth soaking in over and over.
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
Favorite song right now is “Holy Wedding Day” by The City Harmonic featuring JJ Heller. Movie is “The Women” (ci. 1939) with Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer.
What is your favorite holiday?
I’m a Christmas junkie. But then Easter comes around and I am in awe of what our Savior has done for us.
What's your favorite season and why is it your fav?
I love the beginning of every season, but hands down fall is my favorite. I am such a holiday freak that the beginning of it all--the falling leaves to the silly decorations around the neighborhood—makes my heart go pitter pat.
A few this-or-that questions:
Snowstorms or Thunderstorms?
Sound of thunderstorms and the play that comes with snowstorms.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate!
Tea or Coffee?
Coffee, coffee, coffee!
Call or Text?
Text – then I can pretend my lovely girlies aren’t screaming in the background.
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs
Early-bird or Night-owl?
Both. I prefer early morning, though.
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook.
Sneakers or Sandals?
Sneakers.
Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?
Two, actually. I’m busy working on book 2 in the Child of Deliverance Series. This one requires a lot of research, so to keep the writing juice going, I’m also working on a Christmas 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?
Thank you so much for having me!
If God is calling you to do something, He will provide the where, when, and how. Just trust and enjoy the ride.
I am on Facebook under B.D. Riehl, and @riehlbooks on Instagram and Twitter. My blog: www.untilparadise.blogspot.com is a variety of family updates, theological wonderings, and embarrassing stories that I collect like Girl Scout badges. I am currently working on a professional website with the objective of looking more professional.
Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Earth is Full (Print or Kindle format - winner's choice)! Giveaway is open Internationally. Ends 10/31.
How to enter: Sign into the Rafflecopter form below (it might take a moment to load) and click “enter” on each of the entries you complete. Commenting alone will not get you entered – you must click enter on the form. Happy entering!
Open only to those who can legally enter. Winning entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have up to one week to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. I am not responsible for any packages lost or damaged in the mail. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Sounds like a good book and awesome series!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beth! I'm enjoying these characters a lot as I get to know them ;)
DeleteI find this interview interesting because B.D presents a very different prospective in her book The Earth is Full. I myself have not read any novels on the subject of sex trade and slavery. I t will be interesting to see how see brings the main characters into play especially from a Christian perspective.
ReplyDeleteAlso liked her statement about if God is calling you to do something He will provide the where, when and how. I haven't been very good at doing that lately so I am blessed by that statement. looking forward to reading this book and others to follow. Thank you.
It's a touchy topic, for sure. It was very important to me to write the book in the most delicate manner that I could.
DeleteAnd I'm so glad that statement touched you. It is so hard to learn to just rest in His plans, isn't it?
Thanks for stopping by! This book sound very intriguing; I would love to know ,ore and read it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book. I really enjoyed the interview.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I look forward to reading your book. Glad for the invite to try to win it :) I hope you get to go to Israel someday. I, too, wish I could get there.
ReplyDeleteTamara Blickhan
Thank you, Tamara! I hope you make it, too!
DeleteI would truly enjoy reading this new book and following along in the series. Enjoyed your interview and learning more about you and your writing style.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI'm curious. Do you have a lot of cookbooks or do you look up recipes online?
ReplyDeleteJan, I have a shelf full of cook books that I relied on when I was learning how to cook, but lately I find recipes on websites mostly. Mel's Kitchen Café is my favorite. I've finally come to the point where if I don't have anything specific planned, I can usually throw something together from the ingredients in my kitchen.
DeleteThanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your interview. I have read some of Kathi Macias books on this topic and it makes you wish you could do more. As I told her, this is what I have always thought of when someone is reported missing. Breaks my heart, and the million and more this has happened to. I'm thankful to the Org.'s that has formed to try and find these poor souls. It is horrible, and not only in other countries. But so very many, many right here in our country. I would love to win yours B D. Please put my name in and thanks for the give-away. Maxie mac262@me.com
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great story.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your interview, B.D.!
ReplyDeleteThe Earth Is Full sounds like a comparison of 3 lifestyles, some dysfunction, & a subject of which everyone needs to be more informed - sex trade. I would love to read this book, thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletewould love to win this book
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read, something that helps with everyday perspective when I get caught up in the little things!!! And I agree with coffee all the way!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe Earth is Full sounds great, including the review I read. Good to see that it is a very rivoting book! Wouldn't mind reading this one!
ReplyDeleteYou don't read too many christian fiction books like this one on this topic! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete