Please welcome Johnnie Alexander Donley to my blog. She is giving away a copy of her ebook Where Treasure Hides. Leave a comment to be entered. Don't forget to let me know if you are follower for your extra entry.
Where are you right now (LVR, DR, Bathroom) and what are
you wearing? You have to tell the truth.
I’m relaxing on my
brown leather couch in our family room with my netbook propped on a pillow. My
cute little papillon Rugby is beside me, sound asleep and with his hind legs up
in the air.
Typical for an evening
at home, I’m wearing jeans, a long-sleeved sweater, and blue socks. (Actually,
that’s typical for daytime, too. Except for the socks.)
What is the funniest, strangest, or most interesting thing
you have learned when doing research?
It’s estimated that
only about six to eleven percent of Jewish children in Europe survived World
War II---a horribly tragic statistic. One young boy spent his days sitting on a
wooden chair inside a wardrobe. The family hiding him lived in an apartment,
and they couldn’t risk their neighbors finding out about him. Stories like this
one are heartbreaking but also heroic. It required great courage to protect a
Jewish child during those awful war years.
I was drawn to the
plight of the hidden children and wove a little bit of what I learned into my
novel. The opening scene of a train official threatening to take away a young
Jewish boy’s violin is based on a real event. My heroine smuggles twins from
Holland to England, and my hero becomes Papi
to a German orphan.
What is something that very few people know about you?
I have an irrational
fear of broken glass.
What is your favorite material item that you own (examples:
ipod, Gone with the Wind book, grandmother’s rocking chair)
This one is hard. Do I
choose the angel figurine I received on my 9th birthday? The baby
doll quilt I’ve had since I was two? Family photo albums?
Those are all
precious, but I’ll choose my mom’s class ring. She lost the onyx and school
crest before she gave it to me, so the ring has a polished gold surface. I’ve
been wearing it since I was about thirteen. It’s over sixty years old.
If you could live in any time period other than the one we
live in, past or future, when and where
would that be and why?
Another tough one. I
hesitate to go too far back in time because I appreciate hot showers and air
conditioning. And yet, I’m a fan of the Jane Austen era. Just please let me
have enough of an annual income to live in a charming cottage, perhaps in the
Cotswalds.
If you were writing a book about your life what would the
title be?
Behold
the Sun.
The phrase comes from
a verse that has been a favorite since I was a teen. Ecclesiastes 11:7 says, “Truly
the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun”
(KJV).
I don’t spend much
time outdoors, but I need sunlight. A skylight brightens my kitchen, and a few
of my windows are without curtains. My car has a sunroof.
I love sunshiny days,
and I love how the sun sometimes shines even through the rain here in Florida.
The truth is, I’m very
much an ordinary person living an ordinary life. But beholding the sun is an
important part of my life. And so is beholding the Son, and having the light of
Jesus shining in my heart.
What one novel did you read that made you want to be a part
of the story?
I’m sure there’s more
than one, but I’d love to live in Lothlorien or Rivendell even though I’m not
an elf. So I’ll say The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
It’d also be fun to
explore the hundred rooms of Misselthwaite Manor (The Secret Garden).
What is the biggest secret you ever kept (of course it
can’t be a secret anymore)?
A big secret that’s no
longer a secret---this is the hardest question of all. I suppose it was when
Tyndale first contacted my agent about their interest in my novel. That was a
difficult secret to keep until after the contract was signed, sealed, and
delivered.
What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I am not a crazy and
wild gal, so there’s not much to choose from. Probably the craziest thing I’ve
ever done was to go see Pirates of the
Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl nine times when it was in theaters.
I just loved the story, the language, the wit, and the pure fun of the movie.
While writing about my
Pirates obsession, I remembered something else that was absolutely
“you’ve-gotta-be-kidding” ridiculous. When I first learned to play Angry Birds,
I didn’t know to tap the screen to have the birds do whatever they do. I got
stuck on a level, something like 1-14, and was determined to beat it. “One more
time,” I kept telling myself. “Just one more time.”
I said “just one more
time” until I finally beat that level. And realized it was 4:30 in the morning.
I had “one-more-time’d” for hours. Something like nine hours. (I’m so
embarrassed!)
Link
to Chapter One:
More about Johnnie Alexander Donley:
Author Johnnie Alexander Donley writes stories of suspense,
intrigue, and romance set in World War II. Her debut novel, Where Treasure
Hides, won the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest for
Historical Fiction in 2011. A history enthusiast, Johnnie has also edited
nonfiction manuscripts and textbooks. She is a founding member and current
president of the ACFW Central Florida chapter. A longtime Florida resident, Johnnie
treasures family memories, classic movies, road trips, stacks of books, and her
papillon Rugby.
Amazon:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-treasure-hides-johnnie-alexander-donley/1113498024?ean=9781414380995
Christian Book Distributors (ChristianBook.com): http://www.christianbook.com/where-treasure-hides-ebook/johnnie-donley/9781414380995/pd/34191EB?product_redirect=1&Ntt=34191EB&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP
Personal
Links
Treasured Moments blog: http://www.johnniedonley.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnnie_donley
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/johnniedonley/
This one really sounds intriguing. And I appreciate Johnnie's interview.
ReplyDeleteHi, Connie. Thanks so much for stopping by. The research for this book was so fascinating. I try to weave what I learned into the story so it's as accurate as possible without turning into a history lesson. :)
DeleteLovely interview. I am laughing over the Angry Birds story! Been there, done that. You get hooked and determined that you can beat a level. :)
ReplyDeleteHow awful those statistics for Jewish children. What a sad thing to read.
lattebooks at hotmail dot com
Hi, Susan. Oh, the Angry Birds story! I still blush over that. My family was so amused they now give me Angry Bird presents. I have a t-shirt and a Christmas ornament. You're right about the statistics -- just very sad. Even the children who survived were robbed of so much. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI've not read many WWII novels, sound interesting!
ReplyDeleteI follow via e-mail and GFC
Hi, Patty. I got interested in WWII when I discovered that there were POW camps in the United States. I've written a novel, yet unpublished, that touches on that and espionage. All the deception surrounding the Normandy landings is fascinating. From there, I read about the looted art and the hidden children. And that led to writing Where Treasure Hides. I hope if decide to read a WWII novel, this will be the one! :)
DeleteWhat a great interview! Johnnie, your book sounds awesome. Looking forward to reading it. Thank you for sharing and please enter my name in the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you, Barbara, for participating in the giveaway. Naturally, I hope you'll read the story and absolutely love it! The characters did things I never expected which was a lot of fun.
DeleteI am a FeedBurner follower!!
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
sounds like a great book
ReplyDeletesonflower277 at gmail dot com
Thank you!
DeleteReally enjoyed your interview, Johnnie! This sounds like such an exciting book - love that you included the Jewish children in it. Would love to read Where Treasure Hides - thank you for providing the opportunity to win a copy!
ReplyDeletebonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am a feedburner follower.
Hi, Bonnie. Four-year-old Libby, the German orphan who clings to our hero, is an adorable little girl. (Not that I'm prejudiced.) The reality, though, is that these little ones had a horrific time, especially those in Eastern Europe. Thanks for your interest.
DeleteThis is a great interview. The books looks intriguing. Would enjoy getting to read it, thanks for that opportunity.
ReplyDeleteeppersonkatrina@yahoo.com
Katrina, I replied earlier today, but hit the wrong "reply" button. Just wanted to reply again in case you get a notification of replies to your comment. Thanks again for participating in the giveaway.
DeleteHi, Katrina. Thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed the interview. The book has a few twists and turns. I know it's kept a few people up way past their bedtimes to finish it!
ReplyDeleteI would buy this book just for the cover alone. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway. I follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh, Janet, that is so sweet. Tyndale created a beautiful cover, and I just love it. Thanks for participating in the giveaway. (Love "Library Lady.")
DeleteI love books set in the WW2 era. Thanks for the chance to win it! atouchofheaven2010 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteHi, Mary. I hope to publish at least two more WWII novels someday. It's a fascinating era. Thanks for stopping by and participating in the giveaway.
DeleteI know, I know. You're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but that cover grabbed my attention and I had to come see what the book was about. LOVE WW2 stories. The whole thing intrigues me, and I've often wondered if I'd be a person who tried to help the Jews, or not. I can hope so, but I can't really so for a surety as it's not going on at the moment. Hmm. These stories always make me wonder about myself as a person.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the interview and the fun. I look forward to reading more about Johnnie Donley!
amandaloves2write at gmail dot com
Oh, no, I did it again. Amanda, I replied -- just not directly. Sorry!
DeleteAmanda, you're not alone. I have wondered the same thing. I hope I would find that kind of courage, but it was such a frightening time. Doing the "right thing" could place one's entire family at a horrible risk. That's probably why we're so drawn to stories about people like the ten Booms. Yes, that cover is lovely! (My husband had it enlarged, matted, and framed. Love it!)
ReplyDeleteI have heard so many great things about this book, I think it should be on my to read shelf!
ReplyDeletebookwormgal2011(at)yahoo(dot)com
Michelle, thank you so much for saying that! You've made an already fun day even brighter. (Just got home from a trip to St. Augustine with my daughter and a close friend.) Thanks for participating in the giveaway.
DeleteAs an artist myself, I need to agree about the wonderful job done on the cover! I enjoy suspense and would love to read this. Since my Dad was a Purple Heart recipient from WWII, I'm so thankful that you've been led to keep this era alive for us, Johnnie! p.s. am a follower!
ReplyDeleteHi, Pat. Thank you for your thoughts on the cover. The talented designer, Kristen Bakken, truly did a great job. Your dad's service is very much appreciated. Those young men showed such great courage and heroism in extremely difficult circumstances.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you to everyone for all your encouraging comments. And thank you, Debbie, for having me on your lovely blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie for having Johnnnie here. I enjoyed the interview. I am always interested when I hear about the Holocaust. Also orphans. My brother served
ReplyDeleteduring WW ll. It was a sad time in our History. I have read Corrie tenBoom's "The Hiding Place " where they hid Jews and finally got caught and sent to the camps. She lost her family there but by a miracle of GOD survived. She has other books and would recommend them to everyone. I also like to read about orphans. I would love to read this book so please put my name in the give-away. Thanks! MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
Hi, Maxie. I'm so glad you stopped by and recommended The Hiding Place. It's been years since I've read that book, but I try to watch the movie every few years. The famous quote: "There's no place so deep that God isn't deeper still" is a favorite. Your brother's service is appreciated -- I hope he came home safely. Thanks for participating in the giveaway.
DeletePat Iacuzzi won Where the Treasure Hides! Congratulations, Pat!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Pat. And thanks to everyone who participated. I enjoyed our "chats."
ReplyDeletePat, please send me an email at johnnie.donley at ymail.com. Thanks!
ReplyDelete