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Thursday, June 26, 2014

Interview & Giveaway: Beth Vogt ~ Author of Somebody Like You!


Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Beth!! Will you tell us a little about yourself? 


  • I’m a novelist who said she’d never write fiction until – and then God turned a season of burnout into a bend in the writing road.
  • I always have a stash of Jelly Bellys in my writing office.
  • I’ve learned to write in the midst of interruptions rather than waiting for life to slow down and get quiet. (Because really? When was that going to happen?)


What is your novel, Somebody Like You, about? 

Somebody Like You asks the question: Can a young widow fall in love with her husband’s reflection. Four months after Haley Ames’s husband Sam is killed in Afghanistan she discovers he has an identical twin brother, Stephen.  


When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was that kid who went to the library and came out carrying a stack of books as tall as she was. I always finished them before it was time to go back to the library, and then I would write my own stories. By the time I was in middle school, I was asking my English teacher to read my short stories. And she did, bless her. (I should find Mrs. Gossart and thank her!)


What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk? 

When I’m trying to figure out how a character says something I often talk out loud or sometimes I make hand motions or facial expressions when I’m trying to figure out how to describe what a character does. Sometimes I look up to find my family staring at me – and then they bust out laughing.


Where do you like to write? 

I have an amazing office that two of my friends, Sonia and Shari, helped me organize. They have that skillset. I don’t.


What do you like to do when you're not writing? 

Um, plot a new story? No, really, I like to go walking with my husband and daughter and our two dogs or play card games with my family. My husband and I often provide the groceries for dinner and then we clear out of the kitchen and let our kids cook. We have three older children who are married who live close enough to visit and a 13-year-old. They all love to cook.


What is your favorite genre to read and why? 

I read both fiction and nonfiction but my favorite … that’s hard. I would say romance. Yeah, I write what I love.


What is your least favorite genre to read? 

I don’t do murder mysteries.


Is there a place you'd like to visit, but haven’t yet? 

I want to go to Australia one day.


Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 

Romans 5: 1-2 (The Message) By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.


Do you have a favorite song and/or movie? 

My favorite song changes, but right now it is Kari Jobe’s “You are for Me.” And I love the movie “The Kid” with Bruce Willis.


What is your favorite holiday? 

Christmas – love the music, the traditions, the memories, the significance of Christmas.


What is your favorite season and why is it your fav? 

I love summertime. I’m always ready for school to be out, although I only have one child left in school. And I like the longer days, the whole attitude of summer.


Some this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms? Snowstorms
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Tea or Coffee? Tea (just ask my kiddos about my tea stash)
Call or Text? Call
Cats or Dogs? Yes – although right now we’re all about dogs
Early-bird or Night-owl? Early-bird
Introvert or Extrovert? I am an introvert who can function as an extrovert.
Facebook or Twitter? I enjoy both … equally.
Mystery or Romance? Romance
Sneakers or Sandals? Barefoot. (Sorry, I made up a different answer.)


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

I am working on a new Destination Wedding series for Howard Books.  


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? 

My website is at bethvogt.com and you can find my blog, In Others’ Words, right there too. I’m a quote aficionado and so on M, W, F, I share a an inspiring or fun quote and get a conversation started with my blog followers.


I’m on Twitter too and readers can follow my Author Facebook page to find out about upcoming contests and book releases.

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Somebody Like You by Beth Vogt! Giveaway is only open to U.S. residents and ends 7/10.

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.

57 comments:

  1. Great interview. You can't go wrong with jellybeans. Ü
    Congrats on your newest release, Beth.

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  2. Great interview! Have added this to my TBR list.

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  3. Awesome interview, enjoyed learning more about you and found it very cool that your family comes and cooks for you!!

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    1. Having everyone in the kitchen is one of my favorite family times!

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  4. "I am an introvert who can function as an extrovert." That's how I feel alot of times.
    Great interview.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. Amy: It took me a while to realize this about myself -- but now that I understand it, I adapt to life much more easily.

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  5. Great interview! I loved Catch A Falling Star! Thanks so much for the chance to win a copy of Somebody Like You!

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    1. Caitlyn: Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed CAFS. I had fun with Kendall and Griffin's story -- the vertigo scenes were pulled from real life.

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  6. Sounds like a great book! rita.navarre@yahoo.com

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  7. I'd love to win this book! I've heard a lot about it and it sounds so good!

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    1. Melissa: Thanks for those encouraging words! I hope readers are enjoying SLY!

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  8. Beth, I cracked up at the part where your family was staring at you. That sounds like something that would happen to me, since I also have to talk things out sometimes. Hope your Destination Weddings series is coming along well.

    Blessings,
    Andrea

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    1. Thanks, Andrea -- taking a break from Crazy Little Think Called Love to check in on this post right now.

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  9. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity to win your book. I have it on Somebody Like You on my "want to read" list.

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  10. Great interview!! I have heard so many wonderful things about Somebody Like You...can't wait to read it!! Thanks for the giveaway. :)

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    1. Hi, Bekah:
      Thanks for joining the conversation today -- I love giveaways and contests -- it's a fun way to celebrate a book release.

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  11. Wonderful interview. Very informative.
    Love your books Beth!

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    1. Thanks, Cheryl. I enjoyed the interview "favorite" questions.

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  12. Looking forward to this new read. tklovenest@aol.com Kristie Porter

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  13. I loved the interview and getting to know more about Beth. I'm an introvert that fools people into thinking I'm an extrovert (I hide my social anxiety disorder well). The book sounds terrific. lkish77123 at gmail dot com

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    1. Linda:
      I think we introverts have to learn to function in a world full of people -- and having anxiety just adds to the challenge sometimes. Sounds as if you've adapted well.

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  14. I love Christian fiction...my latest was 'Broken Kind of Beautiful'. So enjoyed it. Love this site as well and learning of new authors.

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    1. Katie's A Broken Kind of Beautiful was so well written. She's a wonderful author!

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  15. Sounds like a great book. I love the synopsis. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

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    1. Susan:
      Believe it or not, writing the synopsis for a book is a favorite challenge of mine. Some authors hate it.

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  16. Loved the this or that questions and answers! -blessings!

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  17. Beth is a relatively new author to me, and I have not yet read any of her novels. I really enjoyed this interview and "getting to know" Beth a wee bit! Thank you!!!

    Stephanie C.

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    1. Hi, Stephanie:
      I hope I've intrigued you enough to maybe stop by my website or check out my books. I love connecting with readers!

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  18. Thanks for such a great interview! I depended on jelly belly jellybeans to help me write/study when I was in college. :)

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    1. I read a study once that jelly beans are a great way to relieve stress. I even had my doctor write out a "prescription" for me. He was a good sport!

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  19. Love to read this book. Sounds like an interesting situation.

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    1. Well, writing SLY presented all sorts of challenges for the author -- and the imaginary characters!

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  20. This is added to my ever growing "to read" pile! :)

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  21. The book sounds great! Loved the interview...thank you for the giveaway!

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  22. I've heard great things about this book. Great interview!

    Shannah

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    1. Shannah: Love you name! I almost wrote "Shannan" -- and then I realized it was "Shannah." Beautiful!

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  23. I keep hearing about this book and have seen it at a bookstore as well so I'm interested in reading it. Thanks Melanie!

    Staci

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  24. Thanks for the interview! I always love these posts that give a peek into the author as a real person! And I also prefer to barefoot over anything else!

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  25. Great interview! I'm a twin, so I'm always intrigued by "twin" books. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  26. In a leadership class, I was told what I already knew: I am content to be by myself and I don't need people to be happy BUT I am friendly and I do like people. So, I guess I can describe myself the same as you~~~an introvert that can be an extrovert.
    Thanks for a great interview and giveaway!

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  27. I really would like to read this book. The reviews on Amazon are excellent. Would love to win, thanks!

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  28. hello . I loved this interview. Thanks. Very interesting answers Beth. I would love to win this book Beth. Been trying but no success yet. Thanks for this give-away. Maxie Anderson

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  29. I heard of you and your new book when Catherine West wrote about you on her site. I look forward to reading Somebody Like You. I have a special place in my heart for twins as my husband and I mentor neighbor twins - boy and girl. It is interesting the bond between them and how very alike and yet very different they are ! Anticipating a very good read !!!! :)

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  30. I enjoyed the interview. I always love learning new things about authors. I would love to win a copy of Somebody Like You. Thank you for the chance.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com

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  31. If it makes you feel better, I talk out loud sometimes, too! lol. Seriously good review and the book sounds really good. Sonja dot Nishimoto at gmail dot com

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  32. This book sounds interesting as we have twins in our family. And I have Australia on my bucket list too.

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  33. I like the fact that all your kids like to cook. And they will cook for you. My son cooked for me when I visited him and I really enjoyed it.

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  34. This book sounds so intriguing! I am curious how it plays out! Makes me want to read it and find out! :-) What a plot line!

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  35. Beth, I would like to win this book for the Alamance Christian School library. :)

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  36. This was such a fun interview and also left me excited to check out this book. I love how unique the plot sounds!

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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8