INTERVIEW WITH MISSY TIPPENS and GIVEAWAY!

Hello all!

I am so pleased to introduce you to my Seeker Sister SEEKER BLOG friend and fellow Love Inspired author Missy Tippens!!'

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GIVEAWAY!

Missy is donating an autographed copy of her debut novel "Her Unlikely Family" so be sure to leave a comment, asking to be entered in the drawing for a chance to win her book.

I will draw a winner one week from today.

If you don't happen to win, this book is well-worth the price and can be purchased on www.eharlequin.com or www.steeplehill.com or www.amazon.com or any other online bookseller.
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MY REVIEW:

Missy's debut novel is FABULOUS! The characters were polar opposites yet so well-matched. I loved the quaint, endearing setting in this story. Missy writes in such a way that I was rooted in the scene and felt like I was there with the characters. I eagerly await her next book!


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Missy's BIO:

Born and raised in Kentucky, Missy met her very own hero when she headed off to grad school in Atlanta, Georgia. She promptly fell in love and hasn’t left Georgia since. She and her pastor husband have been married 20-plus years now, and have been blessed with three wonderful children along with an assortment of pets.


In L.B.C. (Life Before Children), Missy worked as a clinical microbiologist. Once she had her first baby, she retired to become a stay-at-home mom. She’s grateful to God that she was able to do that for 16 years and had the opportunity to pursue her writing during that time. Nowadays, in addition to her writing, she teaches as an adjunct instructor at a local technical college.


Missy is an award-winning writer and was a finalist in Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Contest. After ten years of pursuing her dream, she made her first sale of a full-length novel to Steeple Hill Love Inspired. She still pinches herself to see if it really happened! Her debut novel, Her Unlikely Family, will be released in February 2008.



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And now...presenting an exclusive interview with the author:

CONGRATS on your debut novel, Missy! What was the funnest scene to write in Her Unlikely Family?


Well, the putt-putt golf scene was really fun. I loved tormenting Michael (the hero). But I guess my favorite scene to write of any book is the happy ending. I love to write an ending with an emotional punch. I usually cry while I’m writing it! Which doesn’t sound fun, does it? LOL But I do enjoy it.



Missy, you are part of a local writers' group. How important do you think writers' groups, whether that be online or face to face, are for serious writers?


I belong to several online groups and two local groups. And I can’t imagine life without them! It would be so lonely. Plus, I’ve learned a ton about the business from my local RWA chapter, Georgia Romance Writers. In addition to that networking, though, are the personal friendships. Friendships that have lasted over years. Some of those friends are just as important to me as friends here in my town. We just don’t get to spend time together face to face.



Also, do you think it helped you in your journey to publication? If so, how so?


I credit contests and conferences with helping me get published, and I wouldn’t have had those opportunities without the groups I belong to. So thank you to all those who’ve judged my manuscripts and who’ve introduced me to their editors and agents!



If your heroine from Her Unlikely Family could give a one paragraph blurb about you, the author who fashioned her, what would she say?


Oh my! What a great, unique question. J Hmmm…


Josie speaking: Missy Tippens is a busy wife, mom, teacher and writer. She loves God, loves people, loves her church, loves to sing in the choir and play handbells, loves to hang out with friends, loves to laugh with her husband and children, and loves to hold a good book in her hands to escape all the busyness for a while. She’s also blessed by being able to create worlds in her head and to put those stories on paper.



What about the hero?


Josie speaking: He’s so uptight, so bankerly, but I kind of like him anyway. He’s a great guy, and a great uncle. And I bet he’d make a great husband someday. If we can get to our happy ending. (You’ve gotta read to find out whether or not we do!) ;)



What about the teen in your book?


Josie speaking: Lisa is so like me, a little lost soul trying to please everyone, yet wanting to be loved for who she really is. She needs some unconditional love and acceptance, and she’ll be fine. If I could just teach her uncle to do that!



What about the cat?


Josie speaking: Achoo!! That little allergenic monster! I wish Lisa would keep the thing outside, but I can’t bear to fuss at her about it. She’s gotten so attached to him.



What do you have in the works? And how can readers visit you online?


I’m working on a new story right now. I’m about halfway through a re-write. I’m hoping it’ll be the start of a series about a small Georgia town I’ve created. I’ll just have to wait and see!


I love to hear from readers! Please visit www.missytippens.com or email me at missytippens@aol.com.


Thanks, Cheryl! This has been fun.

Missy..I've had a blast too! Thanks so much for being with us today. Bloggers, don't forget to help get the word out about Missy's book. And if you haven't already, sign up for the drawing by leaving your name in the comments and your e-mail address so you can be reached if you win. It's best to leave spaces in your address so internet spiders don't phish your addy. Thanks for dropping by!


Cheryl Wyatt