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Monday, February 3, 2014

3-Year Blogoversary Party ~ Interview with Kathleen Y'Barbo and Giveaway!!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Kathleen! Thanks for celebrating my blog's 3-Year Blogoversary with us! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 

I’m a wife, mother, lover of Christ, and a writer. I’ve won awards for my writing, and I’ve written a lot of books. My bio tells more about me than that, of course, so you might want to go take a peek at www.kathleenybarbo.com to get the details. That pretty much sums it up!

What is your current series, The Secret Lives of Will Tucker, about and what inspired it?

The Secret Lives of Will Tucker is about taking chances and learning to wait on God. Three different women think they’ve found the solution to problems only to discover that the Lord had His own plans and did not need their help. I didn’t have to look any further than my own life to find inspiration for that. Waiting on God? Great in theory but very difficult in reality.

To add a little more detail on this series, the central character is Will Tucker, a charming and intelligent con man who is more than happy to court but never quite makes good on his claims. I will say that readers who have met him in FLORA’S WISH (Feb 2013) and MILLIE’S TREASURE (Aug 2013) will be surprised to see what Will does in SADIE’S SECRETS (Feb 2014). Actually, it’s an action that I never saw coming—and I’m the writer!

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you?
I was once proficient at the Indonesian language of Bahasa Indonesia thanks to 5 years living in Jakarta. However, my skills are quite rusty now.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Oh my…truly I have a difficult time deciding that anything about me is interesting. However, I think those who live with me would say that my inability to work in a messy environment is probably the most pronounced issue I have in my writing life. Always I straighten up before I write, sometimes because it’s truly bothering me to write in a mess and other times because I’m either procrastinating or plotting. Either way, the result is the same, I suppose.

Where do you like to write?

Until a year or so ago, I wrote just about anywhere I could sit with my MacBook, although I did use my office for writing as well. I now am chained to my desk—willingly—and am quite enjoying the large screen on my iMac desktop computer. I did have to make an adjustment recently to put my desk under an eastern-facing window with a nice view of the trees. While I realize a blank wall is better for keeping me on task, I do love the sunshine in those hours that I’m working during daylight.

When you are writing a book, do you just write as you go or do you have a set outline for the novel?
I suppose I am a hybrid of both. Much of my seat-of-the-pants writing happens during the synopsis stage where I am still learning about my characters. Once I begin writing, I have a framework from which to hang my story, but I find—especially toward the end—that this framework often bends in directions that are unexpected. To be fair, my editors are expecting a story that is at least similar to the one I have promised, so any wild and crazy turns in the plot are definitely discussed before I turn in a final product.

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer? 
The best part is having written. The worst? That’s probably the time given up to writing during deadlines that I would rather be spending with friends or family. However, any writer who wants to remain published must learn that this is first and foremost a business. My husband goes to work, and so do I. That’s the reminder I need to keep on track most days.

What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
Reading comes to mind, although I am hard pressed to find a time when I’m not writing or thinking about writing. In good weather, my husband and I love to put the top down on my red Mini Cooper and take long drives.

What is your favorite genre to read and why?
I’m so eclectic in my reading that I’m hard-pressed to declare one genre as my favorite. I just love a good story. Take me somewhere besides where I’m sitting and keep me reading until the end. Bonus points if you can make me sorry to turn the final page. However, I find I am recently reading more dual time line stories—contemporary and historical story lines in one book—and itching to write one of my own.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet? 
Oh goodness yes! My husband has traveled to the most fascinating places for work, and there are so many that I would love to revisit with him. I spent much of my 30s living in Asia, but my travels in Europe and beyond are woeful in comparison. I love London and Paris, and there are places in those cities I’ve not yet seen—does that count? Then there are all the sites I haven’t seen in the US. Suffice it to say, I have a long bucket list.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
Ephesians 3:20 is one that God has proven over and over in my life. Paraphrasing, the Lord has repeatedly proven that He can accomplish far more than my pitiful human imaginings can conjure up.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie? 
Again, so many favorites! No way could I just pick one.

What's your favorite season and why is it your fav?
Christmas used to be my favorite for all the obvious reasons—and it is still a very close second. However, since I’ve moved away from Texas, Thanksgiving has become the time when I get to spend the most unhurried days with my grown kids. We just eat and hang out, and it’s wonderful. By contrast, Christmas is incredible but busy.

What's your favorite party food?
Chips and queso!
Some this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms?  This transplanted Texan hasn’t learned to hate snow yet, so snowstorms!
Chocolate or Vanilla? Both!
Tea or Coffee? Diet Dr Pepper!
Call or Text? Text generally, or Skype.
Cats or Dogs? Both!
Early-bird or Night-owl? Definitely night owl!
Introvert or Extrovert? Depends on the occasion.
Facebook or Twitter? Both—and neither—depending!

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, will you give us a hint?

I’ve got two stories working in my head right now—one contemporary and one historical. The one I work on next will be the one that an editor falls in love with. In the meantime, I am editing a historical set in New Orleans.

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!! My website is www.kathleenybarbo.com. From there you can find links to follow me on Twitter and Facebook or to email me. I love hearing from my readers, so please let me hear from you!


Enter for a chance to a copy of Sadie's Secret (eBook or Print - winner's choice) by Kathleen Y'Barbo! Giveaway is only open to US residents. Ends 2/15

How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry 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 Giveaway Tools 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, Giveaway Tools 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.

61 comments:

  1. I love the sound of the series you have written. Thank you for the interview.

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  2. I love Kathleen's work! She writes such sweet scenes and has interesting, endearing characters that I always fall in love with! Loved the interview....thanks for hosting the giveaway!

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  3. Looks like a great series!! Thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  4. I loved the interview. Have a great week.

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  5. I enjoyed your interview Kathleen. You sound delightful.

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  6. I really enjoyed the interview. Looking forward to reading one of your books!

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  7. I loved all the gadgets and steam punk aspects of Flora's Wish and Millie's Treasure - very clever and different! Thanks for the interview and giveaway!

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  8. I love these kind of books. They are so lovely along with the covers. thanks for hosting.

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  9. I love the sound of this series, too. And I can relate to what you said about having to tidy up before writing! Sometimes I hate that about myself. It's SO hard for me to write when I know the house is a mess (and it gets that way fast with a toddler). But I have to admit I also think sometimes that I'm just procrastinating, too. :)

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  10. Gerat interview. I can't wait to read Kathleen's books.

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  11. Thanks for the interview ladies! I haven' t read any of this series and look forward to the opportunity. Love your answers to the this or that questions...

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  12. I have enjoyed Kathleen's books in the past and would love to read more of them!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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  13. I can certainly relate to the travel question. Even people who've traveled a lot still have many places they'd like to go, even places they'd love to re-visit. I've never been to Indonesia, that would be on my list. Thanks.

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  14. I have really enjoyed the books in this Will Tucker series and have been looking forward to the realease of the new one. Thanks for the giveaway.
    koho onefourthree (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  15. I love Ephesians 3:20 too! Looking forward to checking out your books!

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  16. The idea of historical and modern timelines together is cool! Haven't read a story like that yet. *search begins*
    Thanks for sharing!

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  17. I have yet read anything by Kathleen. She sounds great. Thanks!
    Amyc

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  18. Nice interview. Good to get to know more aboht Kathleen YBarbo. And thanks for the chance to win the book!

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  19. Have this on my to-read list and look forward to reading it. I have read HER HOLIDAY FIREMAN and really enjoyed it.

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  20. Kathleen, I love Historical romances and your book looks and sounds so good!
    Thank you for writing such neat books.

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  21. I would love to enter this giveaway!

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  22. I love each book I've read by Kathleen and can't wait to see what will is up to in Sadie's Secret.

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  23. Enjoyed the interview! Thanks for the giveaway!

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  24. I really enjoyed "Flora's Wish" as well as some of Kathleen's other books. I'm really looking forward to reading "Millie's Treasure" & "Sadie's Secret"! :)
    Thanks for doing this giveaway! :)

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  25. So many books! They all sound fantastic. :) Thanks for the giveaway!

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  26. love to win this wonderful book thanks

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  27. Interesting series! I would love to read them. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

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  28. I am always looking for good Christian books toread!!

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  29. I have definitely wanted to read a book by this author. I would love to win a copy!

    Shannah

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  30. I would really like to win Sadie's Secret, it sounds like my kind of book!

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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  31. LOL, I *Love* that you can't write when things are messy ~ I'm the same way! And I'd have to say my reasons are the same. Too much fun! Thank you for telling us a little about yourself, and best wishes for your upcoming books.

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  32. WOW! What a warm welcome! You guys are great!

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  33. Sounds like really good books. Would love to win one!

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  34. This sounds like a great series! I don't know how I've missed it. :)

    You're not the only one who has a long travel bucket list. Some days, I think it would be wonderful to just travel the world and live on savings. But then reality sets in. Ha!

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  35. If you like The Secret Lives of Will Tucker series--or the feisty grandmother in FLORA'S WISH, be sure and check out the FREE prequel, MISS MERRIWEATHER'S MARRIAGE.


    Christianbook.com: http://www.christianbook.com/merriweathers-marriage-novella-secret-tucker-series/kathleen-ybarbo/9780736960854/pd/46701EB

    Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Merriweathers-Marriage-Short-Secret-Tucker-ebook/dp/B00G6O7HXC

    B&N:http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/miss-merriweathers-marriage-kathleen-ybarbo/1117481692?ean=9780736960854

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  36. I look forward to reading more of your books. I have read one already and would love to win this one. Great interview!

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  37. Great series. I'd love to read them all. The covers are so pretty.

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  38. Nice interview. It sounds like a great series! Thank you for the giveaway and thank you for Christian authors!
    God's blessings to you!
    Lori
    triplel(at)evertek(dot)net

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  39. This is a book that I have to read. It is among the genre that I really like. Thanks so much for the giveaway.
    Good Luck Everyone.

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  40. Great interview! LOVING Sadie's Secret. And I LOVE Kathleen! (:

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  41. Three different women think they’ve found the solution to problems only to discover that the Lord had His own plans and did not need their help. Oh this is a good message. I seem to need to hear this over and over. LOL

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  42. Great interview that introduced me to a new author. Would love to read any of her books!

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  43. We have Kathleen's books in the church library. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway.

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  44. Great interview.Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books.

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  45. This is the first time I have heard about your books - I am looking forward to checking some of them out!
    Hope I win :)

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  46. I have heard great things about her books. I have not had the pleasure of reading any of her books.

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  47. I liked what you said about waiting on God, that is so hard in reality!

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  48. This interview has made me really interested in reading in checking out your books!

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  49. thanks for the invite Melanie, I have read some of your books...good work. I like the looks of Kathleen's book and would love to win and read this one. loved seeing your questions and her answers on this blog...cannot imagine living in a foreign place like that...
    thanks for sharing the giveaway and congrats on your three years...keep on keeping on my friend...

    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  50. Happy blogiversary!

    Great interview with Kathleen! It is always a treat to learn more about the newest release. Kathleen is an excellent writer. I am especially fond of her stories that have a twist of mystery to them. :) It is also nice to learn more about the authors themselves.

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  51. Love this interview with Kathleen, Melanie. Kathleen your books sound so good, but don't have one yet, but would love to win Sadie's Secret in Print. Thanks for this chance, Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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  52. i loved this interview the books sounds great

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  53. Melanie ,really good interview with Kathleen, I love her books!
    Looking forward to reading Sadie's Secret
    Thank You
    mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com

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  54. The cover and review is inviting me in to read this book!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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  55. What were you doing in Asia? Very interesting!

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