Author Interview and #Giveaway with Ruth Logan Herne

Today I am honored to introduce you to my friend and shero (for those of you that don't know me, that's my term for a lady hero). Multi-published author and generally fun person Ruth Logan Herne has been trapped in the throes of a very delightful, snow-filled, ice-crusted Arctic-style winter and loves it! A mother of seven and grandmother to twelve, Ruthy surrounds herself with little children, chocolate, coffee and group therapy in the form of two wonderful dogs. Married for A VERY LONG TIME (clearly a child bride!!!) she lives in upstate New York where seasons rarely blend, men are men and winter is talked about far too often.... unless it's summer, and then the words "well, at least it ain't snowin'!" are met with firm nods of agreement by many. So they're STILL talkin' 'bout winter, right? Even in July! She loves small towns and wouldn't change a thing... well an inch or two off her waistline, but that's a whole other topic of conversation!

Welcome,Ruthy! What made you decide to become a writer?

Well first I was kidnapped by aliens at age seven. When they sent me back I longed to tell about my experiences in the 17^th Galactic Quadrant #47242, star date 1703-04-99 

J

You know, for real, I have always made up stories, have always loved to write stories and always knew that if God gave me time, I’d be a published author someday. Mostly that’s because I never, ever, ever give up on anything. In fact, the tougher the challenge, the more I smile and work harder to meet it. So knowing I wanted to do it… and then being patient while raising six kids until I could work on a writing career without messing up time with them…. Was my forward thrust. And once I started, oh my stars, Amber!!!  I just love it!

Where did the inspiration for your latest book come from?

My upcoming book is about a young woman who is carrying twins as a single parent. She lost her husband to a convenience store hold up and they had two in vitro eggs still in storage. Her former pregnancy attempts had ended in miscarriage, but as time went on, she realized the magnitude of what they’d done. They’d created life and now it sat frozen in cryogenic limbo… and to what end? Should she stop paying the storage fee for the two tiny clusters of genetic material? Or should she give those two embryos their one and only chance at life?  It’s a beautiful story that gently examines the good and bad of scientific exploration and opportunity and how life should be respected at all times. The name of it is “Loving the Lawman” and I’m sending you the cover so you can see just how charming  it is… And how sweet are those babies???? I love me some babies!!!!  J

Wow, that is a fascinating plot! How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing?'

Faith and spirituality are intrinsic in my life. Having said that, I am still sometimes a first class jerk, especially when I think I’m funny…. But I like wearing my love for God on my sleeve, to let God’s light shine through my smile, except when I’m making fun of people in Seekerville… J  A girl’s got to have a little fun now and again! I believe in God’s timing, while having doubted it many times in my life. I believe in the glory of unanswered prayers while ranting and wailing about God forgetting to answer mine. I believe every child is a miracle and I have so much fun putting kids in my stories that it’s just kind of expected now. Ruthy stories = cute kid alerts! And hot heroes, of course!

I’ve always wanted to be a champion for women. Women have traditionally been more victimized, taken for granted, used and abused than men for various reasons throughout history. The whole “little woman at home” scenario is a rare reality in modern times. And disrespecting women is huge throughout the world.

Well, that needs to stop, and one way of helping achieve that goal is to show women taking charge of their own lives, growing in faith, hope and love, grabbing those reins and hanging on for the ride God intended. The more that women are empowered with a vision of their worth through God’s eyes, the stronger our gender becomes. When I look around the world and see so much despair for women, so much lack and heartache, I realize that every life I touch, every soul that smiles and believes they can go farther, work harder, believe more fully is one step closer to the goal of women believing God created them in a special way, a spirit-filled light. And that makes me happy.

So...we're all dying to know: What are you working on next?

Right now I’m working on a Christmas story for Love Inspired. It’s the story of a soldier who’s been away, he’s been careless about his family life, and now he’s back home to help while his father fights a grim cancer prognosis. The heroine is biding her time to get out of town, she’s had enough of the town, her broken family, and her lost dreams. She’s had her heart broken twice, she had a great business going until an arson fire took it to ashes, and now she’s helping her friends run their hardware store while the owner goes through a long process of chemotherapy. And of course, the owner’s son is there in the store, also helping. Two kind of lost souls, finding each other in God’s timing, at Christmas. LOVE IT!!!!

I am so excited about being able to host you! Thanks so much!

Oh my stars, the pleasure is all mine! Amber, I’m so glad to be hear and chat with all o’ youse!!! We New Yorkers love hangin’ out in coffee shops… and blogs…. And sharing a cuppa and some chick chat! Thank you!

 

Ruthy's newest book is now available for pre-order!

Widowed and pregnant, Gianna Costanza comes to Kirkwood Lake with her world in pieces.  She’s determined to put her life back together after her cop husband’s death, and romance is definitely not part of the plan. But when she meets her new landlord and neighbor, she knows she doesn’t stand a chance.

Deputy Sheriff Seth Campbell is strong and kind and more supportive than she ever imagined a man could be. Soon he’s sweeping Gianna off her feet. But she doesn’t know if he’s ready for an instant family… or if she’s brave enough to love another lawman.

B&N

Amazon

AND....

Our friend has been so generous as to offer a giveaway! What's in the drawing today, Ruthy?

Here is the cover of the book we're giving away, The Lawman's Holiday Wish.... 

to two people who leave a comment about how wonderful your blog is, or life is, or God is.... :)

Thank you so much for being with us Ruthy! And for the fantastic giveaway! 

Go for it guys! The winners will be announced here on the Stitches Thru Time blog next Sunday February 9th.