Story Time . . . HIGHLAND BLESSINGS Interview & Giveaway

Today I'm pleased to welcome Jennifer Taylor, fellow HisWriter, to chat about her upcoming release Highland Blessings, which hits shelves next week. Congrats, Jennifer! As an enthusiast of European-based historicals, I'm just thrilled about this.

Jennifer has graciously offered a copy to one lucky commentor, so as usual, leave your messages below with a way for me to contact you!

~*~

About Jennifer

Jennifer Hudson Taylor writes historical Christian fiction set in Europe and the Carolinas. Her fiction has won awards in the American Christian Fiction Writers' Genesis Contest, and her work has appeared in national publications, such as Guideposts, Heritage Quest Magazine, Everton’s Genealogical Publishers, and The Military Trader. Jennifer graduated from Elon University with a B.A. in Journalism. When she isn't writing, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, genealogy, and reading. She resides with her husband and daughter in the Charlotte area of NC. Highland Blessings is her debut novel. Learn more about Jennifer at www.jenniferhudsontaylor.com.

~*~

About Highland Blessings

Scotland, 1473
Highland warrior Bryce MacPhearson kidnaps Akira MacKenzie on her wedding day to honor a promise he made to his dying father. When he forces Akira to wed him, hoping to end a half-century feud between their clans, she struggles to overcome her anger and resentment. . .Yet her strength in the Lord becomes a witness to Bryce. But there is a traitor in their midst . . . and murder is the ultimate weapon.

~*~

What's your latest book?

Highland Blessings comes out May 2010 from Abingdon Press

Check out my review here. What would your dream office look like—and what does your REAL writing environment look like?

My dream office would be a high balcony with shade overlooking the sea so I can listen to the waves of the ocean and my laptop. A view of a lighthouse would make it complete. My real office is a long bonus room with a glass window in the corner by the window. I have several tables in a long row in the middle of the room and stacks of printed manuscripts around the tables with folders of accompanying research materials. I have a wooden bookcase filled with research books and the top shelves contain my collection of lighthouses. Framed images are on the walls and more lighthouses are on the filing cabinet in the other corner.

Oo, lighthouses. Makes me want to go to the beach! Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?

My full-time job—40 hours a week. I dream of spending that time writing and promoting my work. It would be so nice to be relaxed in my own home when writing, not carting my work with me everywhere in case I get some time at lunch, during my allergy shots, on weekend trips, etc.

Someday! If someone were to give you $5,000 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy? (No saving of gifts to charities allowed!)

A plane ticket to Scotland, but I would need more than that to take my family and I’d want them to be with me.

More is granted for this wish fulfillment dream. =) What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the hardest (or unlikeliest) but most rewarding to achieve?

That’s easy, to be successful enough at my writing to quit my day job.

My prayers are with you on that! Do you remember where you were when you got your first or most important call about a book contract?

The Call came on my birthday. I was waiting in line at the drive-through at Arby’s on my lunch break during work. I got so excited I had to pull out of line and park so I could talk to my agent coherently. It was the best birthday present God had ever given me. I knew in my heart that only He could orchestrate something so cool. And it was a personal message that He had not forsaken me, and since I had originally set my birthday as a goal, seven years earlier, He chose that day to give me my gift.

Okay, that rates as one of the coolest Call stories EVER! Any upcoming releases we should keep our eye out for?

The sequel, Highland Sanctuary, October 2011.

~*~

Thanks for chatting with us, Jennifer! Everyone be sure to check out Jennifer's website. Her book is available at Amazon and CrossPurposes.

Void where prohibited. Contest ends 5/3/10. Winner will have two weeks to claim book before another is selected.