Crystal's Big Day

Today is Release Day for our own Crystal Barnes’ first full-length novel, Win, Love, or Draw. 

Crystal and I (Terri Wangard) met up in Dallas at conference in September.

I managed to catch up with her and pose a few questions:

You give some good marriage advice. Where did you learn that?

Haha, how do you learn most things? By making mistakes. :D Seriously, when my husband walked out the door, I started examining myself and my life very closely, then began to research, and read, and listen to advice from the Bible and those smarter than me. One day I look forward to putting the things I've learned to use again, in God's timing and in His way.

Do you have the experience with horses, guns, mucking stalls that Catherine had?

Horses---yes. Guns---yes. Mucking stalls---praise the Lord, no. :D We had horses when I was a kid, but I don't get to enjoy them near as much now, so I play with them in my imagination. :)

What is the take-away you hope readers will glean?

Oh wow. What a loaded question. I hope they realize like Catherine that God is the answer to every problem, be it a need to forgive someone or troubles that are bigger than us (but never bigger than God). 

Can you see yourself living in Catherine's time?

OH YES! :D I've been told I'm an "old soul." I love old-fashioned things and living in the sticks. Even as a kid I loved it when the lights would go out 'cause we'd get to light all the oil lamps and candles and get to heat the water on the stove for our baths. To me it was loads of fun. :) I know. I'm weird. :)

How do you overcome writer's block?

Normally there's viable reasons behind what folks call "writer's block." If I've just run out of juice for a moment, I get up and go bake, or walk on my treadmill, or watch an episode of I Love Lucy or some show. :) If I need a longer break, I'll take a day and read a whole book. Sometimes the need/problem is deeper, and God is good about bringing to the surface those problems  I need to deal with before I can pour myself into a story.

When you were growing up, what did you want to be?

This might sound like a pat answer, but the more I grew to know and love God the more I wanted to be whatever He wanted me to be. Sometimes I thought that was a preacher, singer, teacher, professional gymnastic, and so on. I didn't know I was called to write until January 2011. Now that I know, I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

What's next for you?

Hmm...short term, I'm throwing a Facebook Launch party for Win, Love, or Draw on Monday (the 16th) at 7pm central, for those who'd like to join in on the fun (and maybe win some prizes. :) ). Long term, book 2 Love, Stock, and Barrel is in the editing stage and set for release in Spring 2016 (Lord willing). Folks can sign up for my newsletter to stay in the loop.  I've also recently started writing book 3 in the Marriage & Mayhem series titled Hook, Line, & Suitor.  I can't wait to delve into this story more. It's gonna be loads of fun.

If you could live anywhere else (than Texas), where would you be?

Haha. Heaven. There's no other place better. ;)

Crystal L Barnes is an award-winning author, who also happens to be a born-n-raised Texan and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She has a degree in Computing Science because she loves putting things into their proper place, and she enjoys writing because she gets to share her love of old-fashioned things and the Lord. When she's not writing or reading, Crystal enjoys knitting, sewing, or crocheting while watching old movies/sitcoms. I Love Lucy is one of her favorites. You can connect with Crystal at her website or on her blog, her Amazon Author page, Goodreads, Pinterest, Google+, or on her Facebook author page.

Win, Love, or Draw blurb:

Catherine McGarrett is a strong woman. Life in Texas demands such. For five years, she has built a growing horse ranch while praying for the return of the one man who stole her heart and shattered it in a million pieces when he left.

Now he’s back.

Samuel McGarrett rides into Cater Springs, Texas toting two six-shooters and too many scars. The trouble and pain from the past erupts around the couple. And not just in their marriage.

Can Sam win Catherine’s trust? Will their love survive? Or will his final draw be his last?

Don’t miss it!

Don’t miss it!