Thursday, October 2, 2008

Returning Author: Megan DiMaria



Today I'm thrilled to invite our friend Megan DiMaria back to the blog. Her latest book "Out of Her Hands" has just released. This is the sequel to "Searching for Spice." Below is our latest interview together with CONTEST information. Read on to learn more.

First of all, welcome back Megan! (FYI to our readers, Megan's name is pronounced /Meee gun/ and her last name is pronounced /Dee Maria/ (like Maria as a first name).

Tell us about your book, Out of Her Hands.
Have you ever heard the expression, "when our kids are little they're on our feet, and when they're older they're on our hearts?" That's how my character feels when her young adult children make questionable choices.



Here’s the back cover blurb:


Linda Revere is losing control. Her grown children are poised to launch into life with exciting choices and endless possibilities. And like all parents, she only wants the best for them. She has been praying for her children’s future spouses since they were very small. Confident that her prayers will be answered, Linda is not prepared for the young woman her son brings home.

In the midst of balancing a challenging job managing an upscale photography studio with her busy home, Linda is trying to help her father-in-law get on with life after he’s widowed. And now her best friend and confidante is moving across the country. How does Linda manage when she realizes it’s all out of her hands?


Can we expect a third book in the series? When??

No, Out of Her Hands wraps up the “Linda Revere Series.”

What’s next for you? What are you writing now?

My current work in progress is about a forty-something woman who is eager to experience the empty nest, but life and her family are getting in the way of allowing her to realize her dreams of romance with her husband and exploring new hobbies and interests. I’ve tentatively titled it Many Happy Returns.

Is there anything specific you’d like to share with your readers about your writing in general? Anything “behind the scenes?”

I don’t have a designated office, and I move about my house and yard (weather permitting) when I write. I have a laptop and a wooden lap desk that I use daily. I write at the kitchen table, the patio lounge chair, the dining room, the living room, and my bed. My favorite place is my patio but anywhere I can get comfy is good. Occasionally I’ll go out to Panera Bread or a bookstore to write.

I’ve found that some of my most productive writing sessions are the most unexpected situations. Once I was meeting friends for coffee, and got a call they would be delayed. I had my laptop in the car with me, and wrote nearly 800 words waiting for them to join me. I almost didn’t want to stop writing. LOL!

Thanks for visiting again, Megan! We’re excited watching your writing career blast off! How can readers contact you? Thanks for your support, Annette. I love to connect with readers. They can visit my blog at www.megandimaria.blogspot.com, or my website at www.megandimaria.com where there is an “email me” button.

And here's my review:


Once again, Megan deftly immerses the reader into Linda Revere’s life. Linda has a grown son, who still lives at home, and she’s very concerned about his choices. But, who can control her grown son’s choices? or the rest of her life, for that matter? Through her use of first person, Megan takes the female reader through a series of relatable events. Her style allows for introspection and potential conviction (the hallmark of good Christian fiction). As with “Searching for Spice,” this story takes the readers deeper than they think they will go. I highly recommend this novel to women who can relate with elements of their lives being beyond their immediate influence. Watching Linda Revere tackle life’s problems will challenge, inspire and entertain you.

CONTEST info: We’ll be having a drawing to give away a copy of Megan’s book “Out of Her Hands.” So, leave a comment. We’ll have the drawing Tuesday, October 7th. Thanks for reading!

6 comments:

Megan DiMaria said...

Thank you very much for letting me visit your blog, Annette.

It was a pleasure to to have breakfast with you at the ACFW conference. See you next year in Denver!

A prisoner of hope,
Megan

Carole said...

I've never read this author, but her book sounds interesting. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Anonymous said...

The series sounds like I would enjoy it! I was planning to buy it but would love to win a free copy! Of course, I would have to get the first book in the series before I could read the last one : ) Kerry (Minahan) Lajeunesse

Annette M. Irby said...

Hi ladies, I put your names in a bowl and chose one. And the winner is.... Kerry!!

Congratulations!

Please contact me at annette (at) annetteirby (dot) com with your snail mail address so we can get the book to you.

Thanks for reading!

Karen O'Keeffe said...

Well, I'm sorry I missed this contest. I loved Megan's first book and can hardly wait to read the second!

Ruthie said...

Ooops, I think I missed the deadline for the drawing. We were out of town and found your post on Megan's blog.
I haven't gotten this book yet - but I am looking forward to it.
I loved her first book!

Smiles.
Ruthie