Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Heather!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure! I've been writing for a long time, but finished my first book about six years ago for a NaNoWriMo contest (National Novel Writing Month). Since 2009, I've had three agents and three books on submission. Now I'm an indie author, self-publishing my own books.
What is your novel, God's Daughter, about?
It's historical fiction based around the true story of Gudrid, a Christian Viking woman who sailed to North America with her third husband. She was the first recorded European to have a baby on these shores. My second novel in the series, Forest Child, will be about Gudrid's sister-in-law, who also traveled to North America and was the daughter of Eirik the Red. My novels include many details from the Icelandic sagas, such as how Gudrid went from being pagan to Christian, how the Vikings clashed with the Native Americans, and how Viking life wasn't only about plundering and raiding.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? I loved reading and writing from the time I was young, but I did sense an affinity for writing around age eleven, when I started writing poetry. The poetry got increasingly angst-y when I went to college! But I didn't believe I could write an entire book until I participated in NaNo and completed a book in a month.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Sometimes I have dreams about my characters. That might be totally normal; I have no idea! But they really are very real to me. I think that's why I love writing in first person--I'm totally in my main character's head.
Where do you like to write?
I do have an "office" (guest room) where I write, although I wrote my last book on the loft. When I wrote my first book, it was in a cold basement with cats that constantly used the litter box. NOT a fun experience, but I loved writing so much, I hardly noticed!
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Since I'm an indie author, I'm constantly working on marketing and I really don't get out much, sad to say. But when the weather brightens up, I'll be happy to work around in my flowerbeds. I also like playing video games--I'm currently trying to beat Tomb Raider: Anniversary. I'm a homeschooling mom, so that keeps me busy when I'm not doing author stuff.
What is your favorite genre to read and why?
Lately, it's contemporary fiction. I can't seem to get enough of it and I can't FIND enough of it. Luckily, my critique partner, Becky Doughty, writes it (Elderberry Croft and her upcoming Waters Fall). But overall, I'm a classics girl. I love Thomas Hardy, George Eliot, Thackeray; that kind of thing.
Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet?
Definitely Newfoundland, Iceland, and Greenland--where my Vikings lived.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse? God has brought so many favorite verses to my attention along this loooong author pathway. One I really like is Isaiah 59:1: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not so short that it cannot save." Even when we feel like God doesn't hear us or doesn't care, we can't see the whole picture. He HAS heard and He WILL move.
Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?
Oh, good question! I like a lot of songs, but one I've appreciated on this author road is Brandon Heath's "Your Love." Talks about how God knows the sacrifices we've given and exactly what they've cost us.
And movie? I really love A Room with a View.
I love that song! What is your favorite holiday?
I love Easter. It's such a time of joy and happiness, with spring on the way and celebrating all Christ did for us.
What is your favorite season and why is it your fav?
I love spring...I'm glad we were able to be married in May (been married 17 years this year). Not too hot, not too cold, and there are TULIPS. Everything is greening up and new.
Some this-or-that questions:
Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Thunderstorms
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Tea or Coffee? Coffee!!! For sure!
Call or Text? Text
Cats or Dogs? Dogs! Big ones
Early-bird or Night-owl? Night-owl
Introvert or Extrovert? A bit of both
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Mystery or Romance? Mystery
Sneakers or Sandals? Boots...oops, not an option. Then Sneaks.
Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?
Yes. I just released the cover of my upcoming contemporary Appalachian mystery, Miranda Warning, which will launch on West Virginia Day, June 20, 2014. You can find the cover and blurb here on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21538376-miranda-warning. Then I will be working on my second Viking historical, which will hopefully release in 2015.
Thanks for letting me visit today!
Author Bio:
Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing stories about authentic, believable marriages. Sixteen years of marriage to her sweet Yankee husband have given her some perspective, as well as ten years spent homeschooling. Heather regularly posts on Novel Rocket about self-publishing.
You can find Heather at her website, Heather Day Gilbert--Author, and at her Facebook Author Page, as well as Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Goodreads. Her Viking novel, God's Daughter, is an Amazon bestseller. You can find it on Amazon and Audible.com. Her upcoming mystery, Miranda Warning, releases June 20, 2014.
Heather Day Gilbert enjoys writing stories about authentic, believable marriages. Sixteen years of marriage to her sweet Yankee husband have given her some perspective, as well as ten years spent homeschooling. Heather regularly posts on Novel Rocket about self-publishing.
You can find Heather at her website, Heather Day Gilbert--Author, and at her Facebook Author Page, as well as Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and Goodreads. Her Viking novel, God's Daughter, is an Amazon bestseller. You can find it on Amazon and Audible.com. Her upcoming mystery, Miranda Warning, releases June 20, 2014.
Enter for a chance to win a Kindle copy of God's Daughter! Giveaway is open INT. Ends 4/3
How to enter: Sign into the Giveaway Tools form below (it might take a moment to load) and submit each entry you complete. The mandatory entry is to leave a comment on this blog post, so please make sure to use the same name on both the form and your comment. 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.
Thank you for the chance! Your book sounds great! Natalie natbelinsky@verizon.net
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting time period to write about, not one I am at all familiar with. Miranda Warning also sounds very interesting!
ReplyDeletePatty
This sounds like a great book. What an unusual story. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteI have Icelandic connections, so this book is a huge draw.
ReplyDeleteAnd having had a flight stopover in Iceland that ended in my return home via a new airlines' maiden voyage filled with Icelandic passengers, I gained first hand experience of their sense of heritage!
Best wishes for every cont'd success on your writing, Heather =)
I guess I really did not think of Vikings as having Christian beliefs. My knowledge of them is obviously sorely lacking. I had thought they were ruthless conquers.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like an interesting read especially with my lack of knowledge!
Thank you for the review
mcnuttjem0(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks so much for your comments and interest! Yes, I think how Christianity affected the Vikings is something we rarely hear documented. And yet it did change them for the better! Thanks for participating in the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI also think contemporary writers are often playing up the savageness for dramatic writing - probably for a particular audience - whether truthful or not!
DeleteThank you for the giveaway! I love that your favorite song is Your Love--Brandon Heath is probably my favorite Christian singer. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to read God's Daughter for awhile now!
ReplyDeleteI've never read any fiction from the Viking era! I'm looking forward to this one! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful book!
ReplyDeleteThis would be my first Viking book. It looks like a winner. Hope I am one too!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
I think it is interesting that you have dreams about your characters. I would imagine that not only would it make them more real for you that your writing would make them more real for the rest of us. I have not read a viking story since I started reading Christian books. I look forward to reading God's Daughter.
ReplyDeleteYes--I think those dreams also come at key times. In my mystery, I was imagining this...thing...and I actually saw it one night. It would've been horrifying but I knew immediately it was right out of my book, and I was better able to describe it after that! :)
DeleteThis would be my first Viking book, and the up coming mystery sounds good.
ReplyDeletebelovedgraceful(at)bellsouth(dot)net
I read about this book, a few weeks ago, and I look forward to a chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for introducing me to a new author! I am really looking forward to reading this and I can imagine that once I'm finished I will say "And am I glad I didn't miss out" :D Reading a book on Vikings will be highly interesting, that's for sure!! And thanks for the giveaway offer!! Either way, I will ensure I read this book!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I'm enjoying everyone's enthusiasm over this time period! It's so encouraging after publishers told me it wasn't "marketable." I'm so thankful I was able to self-pub and get it out to readers interested in knowing more about Vikings!
Deletethis looks good, I love a good book!
ReplyDeleteHey! I have this book and yes, I love it. I've read it. Out loud. Seriously. Don't enter me in the drawing, but thanks for the shout out, Heather! So excited about Miranda Warning coming out, too! Congratulations on so much that's been happening with your writing - love seeing your face - AND GUDRID'S! - popping up all over the internet. VERY exciting!
ReplyDeleteThis is my crit partner I mentioned--she is also the narrator of the God's Daughter audiobook (Bravehearts Audio)! I forgot to link to that, but you can hear a 5-min sample here on Audible: http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Daughter-Vikings-World-Saga/dp/B00IYUW5FQ. I loved how Becky brought Gudrid to life.
DeleteWonderful book and interesting author. Would love a chance to read this book!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book! I loved the interview- thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI posted in the box, but it did not show, and it will not let me edit since I already submitted it.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for this chance! It looks great and can't wait for the chance to read it!
I see your entries in the form. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)
DeleteI have never heard of this person you are writing about...very eager to read this book!
ReplyDeletethe book looks amazing! Thank you for the great chance to win it!
ReplyDeleteCant wait to read!
ReplyDeleteI love historical fiction, and this book sounds fascinating and like nothing I've read before! I've got my fingers crossed for the contest. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard about Gudrid before. I look forward to reading this book sometime.
ReplyDeleteGod's Daughter is such a good read! I'm not entering the draw since I've already read it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet--you're such an encouragement to me!
DeleteSounds like a great book! TBR'd on GoodReads. Also the Appalachian book. (My family lives in Kentucky and my father's family is from West Virginia.)
ReplyDeleteLuAnn Braley
AJ's Hooligans @AtoZChallenge
Back Porchervations
Thanks, LuAnn--yup, I'm a West Virginia gal, born and raised--hello to a fellow Appalachian! Thanks for putting it on your TBR list!
DeleteSounds like a good book! Thanks for the giveaway. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been interested in the Vikings for many years. I'm looking forward to reading God's Daughter.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful for everyone's enthusiasm for this book! Truly hoping you all get a chance to read it and would love to know your thoughts on these Vikings!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds so interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting book.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book. It sounds so interesting!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful story! Thank you for this opportunity! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing this book around, and I'm VERY curious! Viking aren't something you see in Christian fiction every day. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis looks like an awesome book and would love to win! Thanks Diane Driscoll
ReplyDeleteThis is a great giveaway and I loved reading about you. Your book sounds great and I look forward to learning more.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very interesting and I loved learning more about you. Thanks for this chance to win your book.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very interesting. In fact, I'm pretty certain, even if I don't win this giveaway, I want to get this book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah, and thanks to ALL of you who are so interested in the book! I really hope you get a chance to read it!
Delete