The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn Blog Tour

Liz Johnson grew up reading Christian fiction, and always dreamed of being part of the publishing industry. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a degree in public relations, she set out to fulfill her dream. In 2006 she got her wish when she accepted a publicity position at a major trade book publisher. While working as a publicist in the industry, she decided to pursue her other dream-becoming an author. Along the way to having her novel published, she completed the Christian Writers Guild apprentice course and wrote articles for several magazines.

Liz lives in Colorado Springs , Colorado , where she enjoys theater, ice skating, volunteering in her church's bookstore and making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and three nieces. She loves stories of true love with happy endings. The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is her first novel. Keep up with Liz's adventures in writing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com


The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn

Myles Parsons is just another inmate in Kenzie Thorn’s GED course until he kidnaps her, offering only a feeble explanation–that he’s actually FBI Special Agent Myles Borden. Terrified, Kenzie doesn’t want to believe his story of being undercover to protect her. Moreover, she can’t believe that someone might really want her dead.

But just when Myles thinks he has her out of harm’s way, his plans start to fall apart. He attempts to take Kenzie to a safe house—but the stubborn woman won’t go! So together they must uncover the clues that will reveal a most shocking perpetrator. All the while Myles tries to keep his distance from Kenzie … but finds himself falling in love.

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

I hope that readers of my book are encouraged to rely on God even when friends and family let them down. I hope that like Kenzie and Myles do in the book, readers will find hope in knowing that God is walking with them in hard times and that His eyes are on those that fear Him.

Why did you choose to write this book?

I’m not so sure that I chose to write this book so much as I suddenly had a story to tell, and this was it. I had been through some major upheaval in my life, moving 1100 miles twice in just 6 months. I had lost a job and was several states away from my family, my support group. And at that time, I realized that I had no one to lean on but God. And in that moment, I knew that I wanted to tell a story about God’s never-ending protection and faithfulness.

What did you learn while writing this book?

Because I could go on for pages about what I learned, I’ll stick to one thing. I learned to let go. I spent months writing my “baby.” Every writer knows that feeling of giving birth to a manuscript. And it’s hard to give it over to someone else and let them chop it apart, even if that person is a professional editor. But with every suggestion I took, I found my grasp loosening just a bit. I discovered that I had done my very best, but it could never get any better if I held it too closely, afraid of taking feedback. Letting go was the best thing that ever happened to my manuscript.

What was your favorite scene/chapter from the book?

I probably have a hundred favorite scenes! But if I have to pick one, I do love the scene with the mountain lion. I joke with my writing buddy that all of my books should have a chase scene through the woods and a mountain lion attack. When Myles and Kenzie have to face a cougar in the Oregon mountains, my heart always pounds. Plus, it’s a really funny moment between Kenzie and Myles. We see her nervous and rambling, and then we see Myles being sarcastic and funny even in the face of danger. I love their dynamic at that moment.

What one thing about writing do you wish other non-writers would understand?

It’s a commitment that requires sacrifice, especially if you have a day job. Writing means giving up nights out with friends. It means turning down dinner invitations to meet goals and deadlines. It means saying no to things that I really want to do. I wish non-writers understood that I when I decline to spend time with them because I need to write, it’s not personal. It’s about my writing, which really is personal to me.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?

One of my favorite nonfiction authors is Mark Batterson, the pastor of National Community Church in Washington , DC . I’ve had the pleasure of working with him in my day job, and last summer we talked about one of the concepts he discussed in his book Wild Goose Chase. Mark says that it’s really easy to pray and just keep praying, waiting for God to answer. But at some point we need to recognize when He’s given us the means to accomplish what we’re asking for and act on it. That’s really applicable to me and probably many other writers. We sit and pray for God to give us the words, but we end up waiting, failing to act on the talents He’s given us. So I’ve learned to pray for the words, but I know when to stop praying and start typing.

What is the toughest test you've faced as a writer?

It’s the same test I face every day. Discipline. Sitting down and actually writing isn’t easy, and I face the decision every day. Will I write or not? It continues to be struggle, and it’s the true test of if I’m a real writer or just playing at it when I want to. Right now I’m between projects and I tend to lose that battle most days. My goal is to someday win more days than not.

What is something readers would be surprised you do?

Hmm … I don’t think I’m that surprising. I suppose some might be surprised that I go to live sporting events every chance I get. I love hooting and hollering at football, hockey, and minor league baseball games. And I follow the NFL pretty closely all through the season.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?

I wish I’d known that I could this, that I had the confidence follow my dreams. I wish I’d known that it won’t ever by easy and that dedication is required. Most of all I wish I’d known that my first, second, third and fourth books don’t have to be perfect. Every writer has room for improvement.

How do you reach new readers?

Well, as a new writer, all of my readers are new to me. But I’ve started blogging regularly, offering my take on pop culture and such. Some of my visitors have said they’ll be picking up my book in July. I’ve also entered several short story writing contests that have brought people to my blog when they read my entries. But the best thing I’ve found is word of mouth. I gave early manuscripts to some trusted friends, who gave great feedback and are now my biggest fans. They tell their friends, and the word is spreading.

If you could have dinner with 3 authors to talk with about their writing (living or deceased) who would you invite and why?

Elizabeth George Speare, author of The Witch of Blackbird Pond, is one of my all-time favorite authors, and I would love to ask her about her life and the research she did for her books way before the internet. L.M. Montgomery because I want to hear about her brainstorming sessions about Anne. Where did the red-headed orphan come from? Was she always so wonderfully precocious? And definitely, I’d invite J.K. Rowling. Where does an author go after the stunning success of Harry Potter? What were the adult lives of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny really like?

Can you give us one do and one don’t for those aspiring to be a writer?

Do write what you’re passionate about. Just because a certain genre or style is popular, doesn’t mean you absolutely have to follow the pack. Your writing will be smoother and more enjoyable to read when it’s from your heart.

Don’t be afraid of rejection. My first rejection letter for The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn was actually the beginning of my journey with this book. I sent a “thank you” note to the editor, and she said if I could fix a few things, she’d be happy to see me resubmit. I did, and received another rejection and another list of suggestions. If I wanted to resubmit, they’d be happy to reconsider. We went back and forth 4 times. Four letters with no promise of a contract. It wasn’t ideal at the time, but rejections don’t have to be scary. You never know what door they’ll open.

How can readers get in contact with you? (mail, email, website)

Keep up with my writing adventures at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com or e-mail me at liz@lizjohnsonbooks.com.

Can you give us a sneak peek of your next book?

I recently finished my second romantic suspense novel, which isn’t under contract yet, but is currently in consideration with my editor. It’s not a follow up to The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, but it has some overlapping characters and is a rousing romp into fictional Crescent City , Colorado . Since finishing that manuscript, I’ve been working on a proposal for a contemporary romance set in my home state of Arizona . I’m really looking forward to seeing what happens with both of these stories.

CFBA: Love's Pursuit - Siri Mitchell

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Love's Pursuit
Bethany House (June 1, 2009)
by
Siri Mitchell


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including in Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.

But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a sermon and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.

Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.

A Constant Heart was her sixth novel. Two of her novels, Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door were Christy Award finalists. She has been called one of the clearest, most original voices in the CBA.


ABOUT THE BOOK

In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.

In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love's Pursuit, go HERE

The Vanishing Sculptor Blog Tour

Donita K. Paul’s 250,000-plus-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles series has attracted a wide spectrum of dedicated fans–and they’re sure to fall in love with the new characters and adventures in her latest superbly-crafted novel for all ages. It’s a mind-boggling fantasy that inhabits the same world as the DragonKeeper Chronicles, but in a different country and an earlier time, where the people know little of Wulder and nothing of Paladin.

In The Vanishing Sculptor, readers will meet Tipper, a young emerlindian who’s responsible for the upkeep of her family’s estate during her sculptor father’s absence. Tipper soon discovers that her actions have unbalanced the whole foundation of her world, and she must act quickly to undo the calamitous threat. But how can she save her father and her world on her own? The task is too huge for one person, so she gathers the help of some unlikely companions–including the nearly five-foot tall parrot Beccaroon–and eventually witnesses the loving care and miraculous resources of Wulder. Through Tipper’s breathtaking story, readers will discover the beauty of knowing and serving God.


Donita K. Paul is a retired teacher and author of numerous novellas, short stories, and eight novels, including the best-selling DragonKeeper Chronicles, a series which has sold more than a quarter million books to date. The winner of multiple awards, she lives in Colorado Springs , Colorado , where she spends time mentoring and encouraging young writers. Visit her online at http://donitakpaul.com.

CFBA: Shepherd's Fall - Wanda Dyson

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Shepherd's Fall
WaterBrook Press (April 14, 2009)
by
Wanda Dyson


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Wanda Dyson lives with her severely autistic teenager on a busy farm with horses, chickens, dogs, cats, rabbits, and the occasional fox, deer, groundhog, and snake. She could seriously live without the snakes, but that's life in the country.

After writing three critically acclaimed suspense novels, she was asked to write the true story of Tina Zahn (Why I Jumped), which was featured on Oprah. Readers characterize her books as "riviting" and "Packed with twists and turns."

Wanda serves on the board of several writers conferences across the country including the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference.

Wanda has finished the second in this series called Shepherd's Run,that will come out in 2010. And she's hard at work on the third and final installment of the Prodigal Recovery Series - Marti's story -- tentatively called Shepherd's Quest.


ABOUT THE BOOK


Bounty hunter Nick Shepherd is fearless when it comes to chasing down criminals. It's his difficult ex-wife, rebellious teenage daughter, and dysfunctional siblings that keep him awake at night. In charge of the family business, the Prodigal Recovery Agency, he thinks of himself as a shepherd of sorts. When his "flock" is out of his control, Nick's well-ordered universe falls into chaos.

Prodigal Recovery's search for Zeena, a prostitute on the run, leads to a faulty arrest, complicating Nick's business. He is thrown together with Zeena's twin, the beautiful Annie, and the two find themselves on a desperate search. The stakes significantly increase when Nick's daughter is kidnapped. Now, to save someone he loves, Nick must risk everything.but will it be enough

If you would like to read a Prologue excerpt from Shepherd's Fall, go HERE

CFBA: The Firstborn - Conlan Brown

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Firstborn
Realms (May 5, 2009)
by
Conlan Brown


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Born in 1984, Conlan Brown was functionally illiterate until the fifth grade, when he learned how to read and write, as well as a love of story, from his grandmother. Conlan went on to start college at the age of sixteen, and now holds a Master's degree in Communication, which taught him the academic principles needed to write Firstborn.

Conlan lives on Colorado's Front Range where he is working on his next book. He enjoys video editing, film scores, and developing high octane, thought provoking fiction that turns pages and excites the senses.


ABOUT THE BOOK

Three supernatural gifts. Two thousand years of division. One moment of truth.

Hannah's head hung, long brown hair in her eyes. Her face felt pasty with cold and fatigue and pain. Arms behind her back, she sat in a chair, wrists and ankles tied to the wooden frame, chair legs bolted to the floor. A cold car. A gun. Horror. Pain. Grief. Screaming. A windshield blistering with holes. Darkness.

It all came over her like a flood. A pouring out of pictures in her mind. But then there was one more thing. Not an image, but a feeling--that half a continent away someone else had felt it all happening too.

The Firstborn, those gifted with Foresight, Hindsight, and Insight at the time of Christ's death are divided between themselves. And when an Islamic holy man is murdered outside of his mosque it becomes apparent that one of the Firstborn was to blame. Now, with the threat of a terrorist attack on an unspeakable target the Firstborn are spiraling out of control. Leaders are dying, members are being kidnapped, and unity is being forced. Three heroes, differently gifted and divided must work together to thwart those who would go too far.

Their breakneck race against time plunges them into a world of danger and through a gauntlet across the United States. From the Riverwalk of San Antonio, where Devin Bathurst, John Temple, and Hannah Rice must protect one another from assassination, to the gritty streets of Washington DC, a paramilitary compound in Pennsylvania, and ultimately back to our nation's capital, the Firstborn must unite to prevent an impending atrocity from becoming reality.

Watch The Trailer



If you would like to read the first chapter excerpt of The Firstborn, go HERE

Never the Bride by Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge

Never the Bride

Jessie Stone has spent thirty-five years fantasizing about marriage proposals, wedding dresses, and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid eleven times, waved dozens of couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.

But shopping in the love-of-her-life department hasn't been quite as productive. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.

So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that God has a better love story than one of the thousands she’s cooked up in her journals? Will she trust Him with her pen when it appears her dreams of being the bride are forever lost?

A romantic comedy with a spiritual twist, Never the Bride is what it means to lose control—and getting more than any woman could ever imagine.

Author Bios:

Cheryl McKay is the co-author (with Frank Peretti) of the Wild and Wacky, Totally True Bible Stories series, which has sold nearly 200,000 copies, and the screenwriter of the award-winning film The Ultimate Gift.

Rene Gutteridge has published thirteen novels including Ghost Writer, My Life as a Doormat, the Boo Series, the Occupational Hazards Series, and the Storm Series. Together, McKay and Gutteridge are the authors of The Ultimate Gift, a novelization based on the feature film and popular book by the same title.

CFBA: A Bride In The Bargain - Deeanne Gist

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
A Bride In The Bargain
Bethany House (June 1, 2009)
by
Deeanne Gist


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Deeanne Gist, the bestselling author of A Bride Most Begrudging and The Measure of a Lady, has a background in education and journalism. Her credits include People magazine, Parents, and Parenting. With a line of parenting products called "I Did It!® Productions" and a degree from Texas A&M, she continues her writing and speaking. She and her family live in Houston, Texas.

Since the debut of those novels, her very original, very fun romances have rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere. Add to this two consecutive Christy Awards, two RITA nominations, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you’ve got one recipe for success.



ABOUT THE BOOK

The Wedding Is All Planned...
Someone Just Needs to Tell the Bride
In 1860s Seattle, redwoods were plentiful but women scarce. Yet a man with a wife could secure 640 acres of timberland for free.

Joe Denton doesn't have a wife, though. His died before she could follow him to Seattle and now the local judge is threatening to take away his claim. In desperation, he buys himself a Mercer bride--one of the eastern widows and orphans brought to the Territory by entrepreneur Asa Mercer.

Anna Ivey's journey west with Mercer is an escape from the aftermath of the Civil War. She signed on to become a cook--not a bride. When she's handed over to Denton, her stubborn refusal to wed jeopardizes his land. With only a few months before he loses all he holds dear, can he convince this provoking, but beguiling, easterner to become his lawfully wedded wife?

If you would like to read the first chapter of A Bride In The Bargain, go HERE