Thursday, February 20, 2014

Bonnie Leon Interview


Author bio.
Bonnie Leon is the author of nineteen novels, including the newly released Journey of Eleven Moons. She and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and seven grandchildren.


WELCOME, Bonnie!!!! To start us off, give us a couple sentences describing what you write.
For twenty years I’ve been writing historical fiction romance. My stories are full of history and adventure always with a touch of romance.


How would you label the overall mood of your stories: dark, gritty, poignant, sensitive, heart-warming, raucous, light, fresh, tummy-tickler (funny), educational, adventurous, witty, passionate, reminiscent, sweet, forceful, eye-opening.
My books are spiritual and poignant and they are filled with adventure and passion of the spirit. Readers often say they learn a lot about the time and place, which makes me smile because I spend countless hours doing research so readers will feel as if they’ve been planted into the scenes. Occasionally there is a bit of grit to my tales, but I only include what is necessary.


What is the name of your latest book?
The Journey of Eleven Moons

Using any celebrity, past or present, who would you cast as your main characters?
This is not as easy as it sounds, but after a bit of thought I think I’ve come up with some good matches.

http://images.amcnetworks.com/blogs.amctv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Clint.Photogallery.560.jpg
    • A young Clint Eastwood would work well for Erik—handsome, stoic and just a bit rugged.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rVgNxVMi5X_Arc9Li5xk4YVD6J_5HP40HZYHXrWff-t_KFbyqQFqlgkLj66Ra2Usl67nf10ybOs3S1x4rCanJLDFbkrEwS2hRjMY3Kjtp32ZWkOj3KwjYSmkGg4-0N5mcz1E1zxj1B4/s1600/irenebedard.jpg





  • Irene Bedard (20 years younger)would be perfect as Anna. She’s an Inupiat woman who is a veteran actor.




What is the theme of your story and how did you come to it?
When I started writing I didn’t realize the similarity between this story and the Biblical tale of Ruth and Boaz her kinsman redeemer, but as I wrote it spilled out.

Oh, I love it when that happens! Ruth has always been one of my favorite biblical stories. Could you give us a sneak peek into what you're working on right now?
I’m working on a contemporary romance set in San Francisco and the wine country to the north. Mackenna Tillman is a dedicated city gal and ambitious advertising agent who is certain of her future. When she meets Adam McGregor, a man who spends his days fishing and working as a mechanic in a small town, the two personalities clash, and Mackenna’s well laid plans fall apart.

I’m still discovering the people in this story and having a great time. I can’t wait to see where they take me.

Describe your writing space.
My husband and I are presently living with my daughter and her husband while we build a new home. We all share the kitchen and the laundry room and Greg and I live in three rooms—a family room, a bedroom and another bedroom that I’m using as an office and extra storage. My husband has the desk and I use a recliner and my lap top. We’re a little crowded and sometimes it’s hard to find things because my files are being stored on the patio, but it is adequate for a temporary space.

Wow, sounds exciting!!! I know what you mean about a bedroom for an office. I write with my laptop on my bed, or on the couch. Sometimes I confiscate the desk in my brother's room while he's away at college. :)
Do you blog? If so, leave us the address.
I try to blog twice a week, but some weeks it’s less and some more. You can access my blog via my website at http://www.bonnieleon.com or go directly to http://bonnieleon.blogspot.com.

Now the fun stuff... :)

On a dream research trip, where would you go? What would you ask to see/experience first?
One place I’ve always wanted to visit is Scotland. My father’s roots begin there. I’d love to stay at a Bed & Breakfast on the Loch Ness. It’s picturesque and romantic, and the mists on the lake add an allure to the place and the mood of a story. I think it would make an amazing location for a tale.

Oh, the lure of Scotland! I've longed to go there myself. I love to read stories set there, but fear writing one as I'm sure I wouldn't do it justice. Seems such a powerfully mysterious place.

When you read, do you prefer paperback, e-book, or audio? Why?
I prefer paperbacks, though I often read on my Kindle. I like to know where I’m at in a story, and using a % instead of page numbers just isn’t enough for me. A paperback is also easier for me to find my way around. If I want to go back to something I’ve already read it’s simple and quick. And I like the feel of a book in my hands. It’s friendlier. I already spend too much time in the world of technology.


I like your take on that. Sensible and practical. Thanks for such a fun interview!!! Here's hoping the launch of Journey to Eleven Moons soars to new heights!
http://www.amazon.com/Journey-Eleven-Northern-Lights-Series/dp/0785279741

Book blurb.
A successful walrus hunt means Anna and her beloved Kinauquak will soon be joined
in marriage. But before they can seal their promise to one another a tsunami wipes
their village from the rugged shore—everyone except Anna and her little sister, Iya,
who are left alone to face the Alaskan wilderness.

A stranger, a Civil War veteran with golden hair and blue eyes, wanders the
untamed Aleutian Islands. He offers help, but can Anna trust him or his God?
And if she doesn’t, how will she and Iya survive?

Walrus hunts, tsunamis, and handsome strangers! Oh my! :)

Bonnie has been so kind to offer a FREE copy of The Journey of Eleven Moons to ONE lucky commenter, so comment away!

Maybe you'd like to ask Bonnie some questions about her novel or its setting or characters. Any readers been to Alaska? Wanted to go? Who of you knew Alaska had islands? I sure didn't. But then, I was always terrible with geography. As always, if you just cannot wait to get your hands on a copy of this book, click on the cover and it will take you right over to Amazon.com where you can download and read today!

What things can readers do to help spread the word about this book?
Everything you’ve listed below is great, but I would never expect anyone to do all the things you have listed. Writers need help from their readers. Getting the word out can be a challenge. If someone is excited about my book and want to pitch in, they should choose a venue or venues that fit them. I will say, however, that I love meeting with reading groups and distance is not a problem these days with Skype. It can be great fun, even long distance.

I appreciate anything readers do to get the word out for me. I’m crazy about The Journey of Eleven Moons and want everyone to read it. It’s a grand adventure full of heart.

Some helpful ways to spread the news about great books:

Word of mouth,
Amazon.com/Goodreads reviews,
Blog posts,
Tweets/Facebook posts,
Like the author's Facebook page, follow on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, Goodreads,
If you win/buy a copy, post a pic with the book,
Repin book quotes or cover art from the author on Pinterest.com,
Recommend to a library or book club, or start one with this book!

Exciting news! Three of Bonnie's books are free right now on Amazon.com! Click the cover photos below to get the FREE download.


http://www.amazon.com/Love-Anew-Sydney-Cove-Book-ebook/dp/B00B5J4U6K/ref=la_B001HCVQB2_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392518587&sr=1-3 

http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Thornton-Creek-Queensland-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007KOGLNE/ref=la_B001HCVQB2_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392518587&sr=1-5

 
http://www.amazon.com/Touching-Clouds-Novel-Alaskan-Skies/dp/0800733592/ref=la_B001HCVQB2_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1392518587&sr=1-2 






23 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for coming over, Bonnie! Love love love this interview! And I'm super excited about this story!!

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  2. Thank you, Natalie. So glad for my smart phone right now. My mother fell and broke her hip and I've been living at the hospital the last three days and would have missed this posting.

    Bless you.

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  3. Ever since I fell in love with Jack London's writing in grade school I've loved the Alaskan wilderness. The Journey of Eleven Moons sounds great. I'm taking advantage of those free titles too. Great interview, Natalie.

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    1. Thanks, Elaine!!! I agree, this Alaskan wilderness setting has me eager to read the story!

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    2. Love these comments and I hope you enjoy the books.

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  4. Oh, my! I'm so sorry to hear that! We will be praying the Lord will give grace to you and your mom as she recovers.

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    1. Thanks, Natalie. Mom is doing well, but it's going to be several weeks before she's back to her old self.

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  5. I so loved Alaska on my trip there last summer. So your book sounds quite intriguing to me.

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    1. Hello, Anne! I've seen pictures, but I bet Alaska is amazing in person! I've really enjoyed your writing class series, btw! Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Anne, what part of the state did you visit? Did you have a favorite place? What surprised you the most about Alaska?

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  6. So sorry to hear about your Mom. I remember how exhausting that is for the caregiver, so take care of yourself, too. I enjoy your writing and am gradually collecting several of your wonderful books. I love the cover of the Journey of Eleven Moons and hope to read that book sometime.

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    1. Hi, akaylee! Thanks for coming by!

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    2. Thanks for your encouragement, Akaylee. Mom is doing well. She'll be going to a rehab center in a few days and will be there for six weeks. The doctor is optimistic about a good outcome.

      I'm so happy to hear you've enjoyed my books. :-)

      And I agree, the cover of The Journey of Eleven Moons is stunning. I was thrilled when I saw it.

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  7. Oops! Forgot to say, please leave an email (at) address (dot) com, so I can contact you if you win the book!! Winner will be announced in next Thursday's post.

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  8. Anyone interested in finding a new favorite author, I suggest you give Bonnie a try. I love all of her books and have read them each at least 2 times. I loved Journey of Eleven Moons, it had me from the first page. I hope you read it and enjoy it as much as I did.

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    1. Wow, Tina, what a great compliment. When someone reads a book more than once that's huge. I almost never read books more than once.

      Bless you.

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    2. Welcome, Tina!! Love that you read Bonnie's books twice!! I'm looking forward to getting into them myself!

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  9. Hello Natalie and Bonnie. Enjoyed the interview. I have a niece and all of her family living in Alaska. When she moved there her oldest girl was only about 8. Now that daughter is a grandmother herself. They love it and don't to live anywhere else. To me I wouldn't want to live that far from my family.She has shown some beautiful pictures tho. I've been told it is a long trip by plane, then you take a boat to where they live. I would love to win this book Bonnie. Sounds very interesting. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Maxie, I have family who live in Alaska, some quite remote. They love it. I like country living but I also like to be close enough to a city to enjoy its amenities. Guess I'm spoiled. I live in Southern Oregon and think it's the best place in the world to live.

      Alaska is an amazing place, but it's too big a challenge for me. I guess I'll have to settle for visits. However, when I get to create Alaskan stories it's like living there only from my comfy chair in my comfy home. :-)

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    2. Hi, Maxie! Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair and have some sweet iced tea. :) Or in this weather--some homemade hot chocolate! I've put your name in the hat to be entered for the book. Best wishes!

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  10. Great interview! I love the story of Ruth. I'll have to check out those e-books even though I most definitely prefer paperbacks too :)

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    1. Thanks, Courtney! :) After reading several books on my Kindle, I decided to put a dent in my paperback TBR shelf and I'm loving holding a "real" book in my hand! I still can''t decide which I like best. Depends on my mood, I guess. :)

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  11. Hello Bonnie and Natalie,
    I was able to go to Alaska not last summer, but the summer before. It was so fun because I had been reading the "Alaskan Skies" series, and then I actually went to Merrill Field and rode an airplane from there. I brought the book along to read in the plane, it was so cool. I could kind of put myself in the place of the characters, and could understand the nuances I couldn't before. ( : Anyways, I'm excited to read this one! I'd love to win a copy, here is my email:
    glidingcactus@gmail.com
    Thank you!
    Jill

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