I have been so excited that we are able to do this chat today with Jackie! I am also waiting on my copy of the book to arrive this afternoon, then I can get reading:) Now lets get started & I would like to welcome Jackie to my blog!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
It's 2pm, time for a chat with Jacqueline Winslow!
I have been so excited that we are able to do this chat today with Jackie! I am also waiting on my copy of the book to arrive this afternoon, then I can get reading:) Now lets get started & I would like to welcome Jackie to my blog!
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Thanks, Lin! I am so excited to be here today. You are my first official interview for this book
So glad to have you here, I have some questions that I would like to ask you!
I am ready!
When did you first start writing?
I started writing after I got married to my hubby, 6 ½ years ago. Having been first married, at the age of 19, before in an abusive relationship, I knew what I didn’t want in life and in relationships. I had lived out the worst of the worst, and was ready for a healthy relationship. Having the courage to walk away, was one of the hardest yet easiest life-changing decisions I’ve ever made. I saved myself and my kids that day.
The whole story of seeing my high school chum again was a miracle in itself. We saw each other and I fell in love right then and there. He was oh so gorgeous, and really, my chance for love and I chased him two states away to marry him. Quite literally, we were married a few months later, on the beach with family and friends. I was amazed at the difference of what happens when I was with the right guy. So I did the only thing I could do, and started writing. How could I not write about romance … I am living true love out every day.
What was it that drew you to it?
Ok, so here is a facebook question:
Did anyone inspire your characters in the book? I'm only on page 50 now but I love Samantha!
I am so glad I got this question. Do you know I have a lot of single friends who can really identify with Samantha. The reason is … she is a little bit of them all. Meaning, she’s a real person. She has failures, tears, pains, and hopes. She has flaws that are obvious, to herself and to the reader. Let’s face it … She is a woman who aspires to greatness but doesn’t see herself in the same light.
If I asked you what you hate about yourself, how long would your answer be? Especially if you are honest. For me, it might take a while, as I there are many things that come to my mind. But if I ask what you love about yourself, would it take you longer to come up with an answer?
If you are saying, “Oh yeah that’s me,” well, Samantha is also that woman. She sees her flaws, inside and out, and can’t seem to look past them. Of course, when beauty is within, it’s also on the outside. For Samantha, it takes a man who can love her past the flaws... and see who she really is!
What was it that drew me? Another great question!
Well, Christian romance drew me because I’ve read so many stories that were boring. I stopped reading because it wasn’t realistic. I wanted something I could connect with, enjoy reading, and come away refreshed, inspired, and just romance at its fullest.
I have another question for you. How long did you have to go round publishers, before you found one who wanted to publish you?
How long do we have? LOL No, my story is a long one, just like most other new authors. I had applied to more publishers than I can count and got my first real nugget of hope. They loved my query/synopsis and I sent the manuscript in full. They loved it, got back edits to begin working on. This all happened right when our economy took a dive. I got all the way through the process of getting accepted and even got through the first edits… then my world fail apart. I found out they backtracked; something about it wasn’t my book, it was good, but timing was wrong. Now, I’ve since learned that if I had an agent, I would have secured that first book with Steeple Hill, because we really were in the last stages of the contract. It was verbal at that point, but still verbal is verbal. I just didn’t know better. We live and learn…
What did I do? I picked myself back up knowing I had a good book. I made the changes Steeple Hill editors told me to make, even though I knew I couldn’t resubmit to them, I scouted out the market and decided to take my chance, and self-published. I had a good book, of course, I had I had Steeple Hill’s stamp of approval. What more could an author ask for? Ok, for that signed contract, but hey, I took what I could get.
What happened then were more little miracles to let me know I was walking the right path.
I made friends with a local USA Bestselling author, Ralph Cotton. He is the #1 Western author in the U.S. Truly, he and his wife have mentored me through this publishing process.
When I first met him, he asked for a couple chapters of my book… the most nerve wracking days of my life of waiting to see if he would even contact me back. Only to have him give me a rave review. Truly, once again, reminded me that I was on the right path. Anything that is good comes with a lot of hard work.
Now, I have the first book released…
Jackie, could you tell us about the book.
By the way, I tried to talk my hubby into using a picture from our wedding for my front cover. He said absolutely not! LOL
Ok, next question. These are some amazing questions Lin!
About The Bargain, lets dive in!
This romance is very much about a woman with real life issues. Samantha Peabody is hard working, single, and has finally achieved what the world would call success. Only she still comes home to an empty apartment every night, wondering when that prince charming will appear out of no where. In the stillness, in the quiet, she feels the loneliness all around her.
She wants love, don’t we all?! She knows her limitations as she isn’t that bubbly type that can lure a guy across the room with a simple smile. She is honest enough to admit she struggles with chit chat … with men. With an overbearing family, did I mention they like to set her up with guys? You got it. They want their daughter married even if they have to bring guys to her doorstep. Yep, they’ve done that too. Oh, and they’re coming to town soon so if she wanted to visualize a man in her life, now would be the time.
She realizes the only way to stay sane is to find a date and fast. Of course, she first says a crazy wild pray like most of us would in that situation. Only she finds out that prayers can show up at her doorstep, which Benjamin Weatherly does exactly that.
A Bargain is made. Two dates, how easy is that?
Think again! The date with his family turns into week long wedding festivities that plays havoc with her emotions. No one said anything about her falling in love. But she does, and struggles to keep her heart safely guarded from getting hurt. Can she let go?
Learn to love. And be loved.
This book is about women. We all have issues. We all have annoying things about us that drive people around us crazy. Those things make up who we are; part of our character. What Samantha finds is that in her weakness, God is still strong. He not only can work through people around her, but shows Samantha just how much her own fears have stopped her from living life to the fullest.
That would have been a great cover!
How many pets do you have?
I'll have to post it. I mean, he is hot!
But alas, I had to go with a different option. Ok, next question!
I have a very devoted cocker spaniel. I call him part cocker part mutt. It’s the mutt part that makes him so darn stubborn! Of course, my hub also has a cocker spaniel, Lady. She is as devoted to him as Prince Louie is devoted to me. Love those dogs…
I think Abby is going to post about her favorite pet!:)
My favorite is Prince. Even though he's a bit pigheaded.
LOL, yes, he is devoted to me! Any more questions, Lin?
How old are your children?
Some dogs can be like that Abby:)
Abby is almost 13 and Lucas is 10.
Of course,I should add that Abby is almost 13, she stil has a couple weeks left before she becomes a teen!
Hi, I've read The Bargain and it really made an impact on me. I could certainly identify with certain aspects of Samantha. I haven't found my best friend yet but that time will come. I did want to ask a question. Given your own new beginning with your husband, what advice would you give to others who are still waiting for their best friend? How did you overcome your insecurities to take those first steps? Thanks for your time. LOVE the book!
I am so enjoying finding out about you Jackie & your book! Now for the next question.
They must be very proud to have an author for a Mom!
Thanks for coming FindGoodReads.. good question. For those still waiting, my advice is to pray big. Don't settle for little prayers because you want the best!
I prayed a crazy prayer too.. I wanted to fall in love at first site because lets face it. I'd made a mistake once, and didn't want to repeat it. Miraculously, God answered my prayer. Dream and pray big!
Our hidden flaws are what make us who we are. Accepting and knowing that they are there is half the battle.
Once you know your weaknesses, you can address them one at a time. For instance, fear was an issue for Samantha. She had to take a step of faith, which was facing her fears. Faith is vital. I pray that you can believe big, pray big, and face your hardest flaws. In them, you will find your greatest strengths...one step at a time!
Oh, another little tip, surround yourself with friends and family so you aren't alone.
Oh my. Abby is the one who brings me hot tea when I am writing. Never fails, she will show up at my side with a steaming cup of hot tea. Usually, she will have a cup with me and we will do edits together. Lucas is my encourager. He tells me I am bestseller all the time. Love that boy!
I know your husband is a big part of your life, so for my next question.
Did your husband read your book as you were writing it, or did he wait until it was finished?
He tried. But I got so nervous he eventually waited until I was done. Of course, if I was having a problem with something, he would read over it and give his thoughts. He now has his own copy!
I loved The Bargain. Thank you for writing such a great love story. I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets nervous around guys. Even though it is just a book, it was great seeing how she overcame her fears. Never thought I'd learn this much from a love story. Thanks!
Thanks for joining in Angel!
You know, as women, we all have fears and flaws. We all worry, we cry, we make mistakes, we desperately want to be loved... we are all very similar.
Samantha wanted fairy tales she just didn't know how to get them. Thankfully, God has a bigger plan and really guided her through this journey!
Where did you grow up Jackie?
Makes me miss the mountains just thinking about TN...
Morristown, TN. Any Vols fans out there? Hmmm… I’m not either, so good for us. Me? I’m a Gator fan all the way. Living in Florida, I tend to miss the mountains but I love our wacky weather. My family laughs at me because I get excited when I hear that a tropical storm or hurricane is out in the Gulf. I should have been a meteorologist!
Hi Jacqueline, You posted that Mr. Ralph Cotton has been a mentor for you during this process. How has it made a difference for you to have someone like Mr. Cotton help you as a new author? Thank you.
Do you have brothers & sisters?
What do you think has been the greatest lesson you have learned in writing The Bargain? Great book by the way, we loved reading it and have actually read it twice.
You know, that is a wonderful question that still amazes me. There a few times in your life where you really meet someone who are just amazing people. That is the case with Mr. Cotton. He has helped me grow as a person and my writing, and influenced me on every level.
I do get star strucked from time to time as he is The Top Western Author of today.. but I get over it and start asking questions again.
I am truly blessed!
Sorry I was answering Sunshine Skies question. Back to Lin's question.
I have three sisters, all older. They are my dearest friends now; I only wish they lived closer.
I hope it's ok to post a comment. I just want to say how much I appreciate your book Mrs. Winslow. I don't read many books but I read your book because it was a gift to me. It was a great encouragement and I hope you do very well.
Hi Jackie! What is your favorite part out the entire book and why?
Hey Michelle,
I am so glad you enjoyed it. Even though The Bargain was just released, I have been so blessed by the readers who have sent me messages so far.
Californialover,
Spoiler alert!
My favorite part is definitely a spoiler alert. So I won't go into details but I love how her fairy tale dreams are right in front of her and she goes back and forth from wanting it to happen to not. It is that tug of war that so many of us go through ourselves!
Jackie. I read your book and fell in love with it! After I was finished I wanted to know who the author was and this is my chance. How did you come up with this wonderful story? It's brilliant!
How much did your faith influence you to write?
I am one of her older sisters and I just want to say how proud I am of her and The Bargain. I have watched Jackie grow so much while she was writing this book. She truly is a gifted writer and I can say that as a sister but also as a reader. Being single myself, Jackie has been so instrumental in helping me through my own journey of being a single Mom and waiting for my forever friend. She is a blessing to our family and I know she is going to bless everyone who reads any of her work. She has truly allowed the Lord to use hardships and turn them into good. I am the recipient of part of that good and I am grateful. Love you Jackie.
Spacekitties...
Thank you sharing. I came up with the story really over the course of a couple weeks. After that, the story just seem to write itself.
Thanks Christi for joining in today! There is nothing more wonderful on big days than family showing up!
Back to Lin's question!
When I first started writing, I had no idea how my faith would shape my writing. But as I look back, I see its impact. Not only did I want to write romance that would inspire, but I wanted the stories I write to be current. Meaning, they are real issues about real women. I hope every book I write has faith woven somehow, someway. We all want to read a romance and come away smiling. I think it is embedded into our makeup; especially if we are reading romance.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you like to go?
I love this question… Anywhere with my husband; quite literally. After we got married, we couldn’t go on a honeymoon, actually we got only had one night together before we got the kids back… doesn’t even sound right, looking back. LOL We just took our first vacation … we went to Walt Disney World. It was so amazing to be together, I am zealous to go again.
Back to your question: a cruise, just the two of us. I don’t think I would care where we were going... I only have eyes for him.
If you were stranded on an island Jackie, with 3 authors, who would they be & why do you like them?
Jane Austin – she has an ability to weave stories that come alive to us the reader. My favorite is Pride and Prejudice. Doesn’t matter how many times I read it, I still love it.
Karen Kingsbury – She really has been the author I looked up too, I think every author has authors they look up to.. for me, she’s that one.
Corrie Ten Boon -- When I was in middle school, I did a speech on Corrie Ten Boom( I dressed like her, talked like her, etc…) I actually wrote the author of the book, “The last Five years”, asking questions I thought were important. Don’t you know I got a response? I still remember how excited I got that day. It was the sweetest letter telling me more about Corrie, who she was as a person, her faith, her family. Reading that letter only made me respect her even more. Can you imagine leading the soldier who ultimately killed your sister to Christ? Her forgiveness amazes me. She’s my hero. I’m sure I’m not alone having a hero…
Another FB question, this one from Melanie:
What are your thoughts on finding true love later in life...and do you believe that God has chosen the perfect person for everyone, even if it takes a few tries to find them?
I am a firm believer that God can bring us someone at any point in our life. For me, I married way to young, and ended up in a totally abusive relationship. So we all can agree that was not God’s perfect match. If there are doubts because the guy isn't living the life you know God has called you too... STOP Before you get married.
Life after divorce for, it took a long time, but I came to the realization that God really loved me. What a life changing moment that was. And since He loved me, there had to be someone out there that would love me senseless. I mean, God wants us happy! And yes, it did happened for me. So Melanie, I absolutely agree that God has a perfect one for us.
For those divorced women out there, YES, I believe God can bring that perfect mate for you! Don’t lose hope or settle for second best. Keep holding on because God has someone who He intends to be your other half! You just haven’t seen them yet!... See More
The key I think is waiting to make sure he/she is the right one, BEFORE marriage enters the pictures. Not only in our eyes but is He the one God intended us for? One important lesson for me was to listen to those around me: my family, my friends, my mentors. If I had, I would never have married all those years ago.
That could save so many of us from making bad, bad decisions. Life after divorce is challenging for sure but I believe that God’s compassion goes to us and can lead us to that perfect match. I believe God is a firm believer in romance and wants us to have all those fairy tales we dream for.
I need to add that I now have two amazing kids, a amazing husband, so God can work through anything to bring that mate into our lives!
Hi Jacqueline, I am so happy that Lin is having this interview! I am enjoying reading your responses. I am an avid Christian Fiction reader and The Bargain sounds like my kind of read. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!
Wow, I didn't realize how quickly time had passed, Lin. You do a wonderful job at giving interviews!
I am so glad that we were able to do this! You are an inspiration to so many people out there this afternoon. People know that there soul mate is out there too!
Hey Sheila,
I am glad you could join us! You can pick up your copy very easily at Amazon.com. If you are into Kindle, you can get the Kindle version, or get the paperback book. I happen to love the paperback as my front cover is just beautiful. Have to say I have stared at it more than once!
I am just over the moon, UPS has just delivered my copy of The Bargain!! I know what I will be doing tonight:))
Lin, thank you for hosting this inteview and taking the time to let me chat about myelf, The Bargain, and all the characters I love so much!
I hope everyone knows they can keep posting questions or thoughts and I will keep stopping by to answer them. You can also head over to my website: www.jacquelinewinslow.com to see my book trailer as well as upcoming events!
Thanks Lin!
What a way to end out our interview!
Thank you so much too Jackie for taking the time to spend the afternoon here! I have so enjoyed hosting this interview!!
I guess now is as good of a time to say farewell... I know what I want to do when I get a new book in the mail! haha
Thanks everyone for your questions, encouragement, and love!
Jacqueline
For those who haven't read it yet, please go out & get your copy now, this is going to be a bestseller, I can feel it:)
Hi Lin! Sorry I missed this interview, but enjoyed reading the questions and responses! I so want this book now!
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