Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Laura!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? I’m the librarian at an elementary school in a suburb of Houston, so I’m surrounded by books and energetic readers all day. Although it’s a busy job, it inspires me to write when I get home.
What is your novel, Worth The Wait, about?
Ellie Lansing has a picture-perfect life with a close-knit family and the perfect boyfriend. But her world is suddenly knocked off center when her drool-worthy boyfriend cheats, and her always-has-it-together mother is diagnosed with cancer. Ellie doesn't get it. She always does the right thing - doesn't God owe her a happy life? Through her heartache, Ellie learns that sometimes what seems like the end is really just the beginning and that what God has for us is always worth the wait.
Are any parts of Worth The Wait based on real life experiences?A few are. I went to a private Christian school, which is similar to the one I created in the book.
Also, I worked at an orphanage in Mexico for a few weeks in 2008 and 2009. Those two life-changing trips were the inspiration for Ellie’s mission trip to Mexico.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I have a story my dad saved that I wrote for him when I was eight, so I guess a long time. I taught middle school language arts and always wrote with my students.
I didn’t attempt a novel until 2010 though. The first one was so bad, I never finished. I started Worth the Wait in November 2012.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I listen to sports radio while I write. (I listen to music when I’m stuck or need to figure out a character.)
Where do you like to write? In my bed, propped up with pillows. I’m pretty lazy after a long day at work!
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I love sports, reading, and shopping. The Houston Rodeo is in a few weeks, and I’m pumped to get my cowgirl boots on!
What is your favorite genre to read and why?
YA-I love see a character figure out who she/he is.
I also love romantic suspense and a good chick lit book. Gosh, I can’t pick.
Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet?
Nantucket!
Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Phil 4:11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (ESV)
I want to be content wherever God has me.
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
Too many.
What is your favorite holiday?
I really like Thanksgiving. It’s a little more laid back and relaxing than Christmas.
What is your favorite season and why is it your fav?
Winter because I love cold weather. But, I also love summer because we’re out of school.
Some this-or-that questions:
Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Never experienced a snowstorm but want toChocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Tea or Coffee? Water
Call or Text? Text
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Early-bird or Night-owl? Both.
Introvert or Extrovert? Introvert except at work
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Mystery or Romance? Mystery
Sneakers or Sandals? Sandals
Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?
Currently, I’m working on a story about Lindsey, the mean girl in Worth the Wait. I wanted to figure out what made her so hateful. Ellie is such a good girl that it’s been fun to write about a “bad” girl.
Thank you so much for being here, Laura!
~
Laura's website: http://authorlaurajackson.blogspot.com/
Enter for a chance to win a copy of Worth The Wait by Laura Jackson! Giveaway is open internationally. If the winner is from outside the US, they will receive an e-book copy; but, if the winner lives in the US, they can choose the format they want (print or e-book). Ends 3/06
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.
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.
Thanks Laura for sharing you wonderful talent with us. You said you would like to experience a snow storm. Please rethink that. I am from the south and we have had a few in our time. They really aren't that much fun!! Thanks for the chance to win a great book.
ReplyDeleteI love the cold and think being snowed in for a few days would be fantastic....at least once. :)
DeleteLooking forward to this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pamela!
DeleteIt sounds like a great story. Don't you just hate it when the boyfriend cheats. It always feels like it's the end of the world. But usually there is always someone better who comes along. I'd love to read this book. Thanks for having the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteYes, a cheating boyfriend is horrible. I had one once. It took a long time to get over him.
DeleteThanks for commenting.
Thanks for the interview! I'd love to read this book...I like your favorite Bible verse, too. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks...I like it because it's 4:11, and my birthday is 4-11. Cool. :)
DeleteHi Laura, your interview was great. Would love a chance to win your book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Sonja!
DeleteI spotted Worth the Wait recently and fell in love with the cover (which is what I first use to decide to pick up a story - bad habit of mine lol), and then I read the synopsis, and just could not wait until I could get my hands on this book.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, the Philippians 4:8 verse really uplifted me today, so thanks for that!
I love the cover too!
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
Thank you for sharing your favorite verse. Contentment is a daily struggle for me and one that I need to keep going back to the Lord with.
ReplyDeletekoho143@hotmail.com
It is a daily struggle. I can see why the Bible says we are to take up our cross daily.
DeleteThis sounds like a great life lesson for the YA crowd and very cleverly presented too. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carl!
DeleteI would love to read this book and then give it to my daughter so she could learn something from it. I volunteered in Mexico in my 20s and I wish my daughter could too but the political situation is worse than it had been at my time. I think that your orphanage experience in Mexico was great for you.
ReplyDeleteYes, we haven't been back to the orphanage the last few years because it's a border town, which aren't always safe. So sad!
DeleteI went on a mission to help orphans in Uganda. I know what you mean about "life changing"! :)
ReplyDeleteI bet that was amazing! My church does a lot of mission trips each year (like 12), and I need to save up the money to go on one!
DeleteWorth The Wait has been on my to-read list for a while. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alyssa! :)
Deletecan't wait to read your book!
ReplyDeleteHi, Robin, thanks for commenting.
DeleteWhat a wonderful interview. I love meeting new-to me authors. My daughter if very interested in doing mission work. I think we could both learn something from this book. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
I love to hear about teens interested in missions!
DeleteLooks like a great book.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle!
DeleteA great interview would love to win the book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteWould be awesome to win. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteHi, Anne, thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHi Melanie. Thanks with this author, Laura. Good interview. She lives near me. Hi Laura, You should have a book signing in Pasadena. Right here by Houston. Must be neat working in the library. But I'd be wanting to look through the books all of the time. And, I have been to the Rodeo. A big deal around here. Wish I could afford to go more, but don't have the money and not my daughter either who would have to take me. We saw Alan Jackson the time I got to go. Was fun. Sure a lot of traffic tho. Hoping I can win your book. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi, Maxie, yes Pasadena is close!
DeleteI saw Alan Jackson last year. :) Thankfully, two of my uncles and a family I babysit for often get free tickets, so they pass them on to me. I'm on the Dave Ramsey plan and can't afford to go either until I get out of debt!
Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for the contest and an author I have not read. Would love to win, read and review. Count me in.
ReplyDeletejrs362 at Hotmail dot com
Thanks for commenting--and for offering to review the book if you win. :)
DeleteVery cute cover. I will definitely add this to my wishlist.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love it. (Was nervous I wouldn't.)
DeleteI really like the way you have redid your social media icons!
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
DeleteI enjoyed your interview! I went to Mexico also on a mission trip.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
Becky
Fun! Sounds like a really sweet read. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHmm. I am neither a night owl or a morning person. I usually don't talk a lot to people I don't know or my family which I suppose would include people I don't know. I like chocolate more unless it is really good gourmet ice cream.Luke 6:31
ReplyDeleteDo to others as you would have them do to you. I really don't read the Bible that much but this is my fave. Thank you for the chance to win and have a lovely day.
Laura - I've been seeing your book EVERYWHERE and hearing amazing things about it! Congrats! I can't wait to read it. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like the cover of your book! It's really cute! :)
ReplyDelete