Howdy y'all! Crystal Barnes here. Grab up a chair and have yourself a sit-down. We're getting to meet the lovely Clarice G James today and hear about her award-winning story
Double Header. (Stick around to the end and you'll get an opportunity to enter a drawing for an autographed copy.)
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ for over 35 years. My faith
impacts every decision I make and every story I write. My writing has been described as “smart,
fun, relatable” fiction. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, hosting a critique group, laughing
with friends at book club, taking part in Bible studies, spending time with family, or involved in
a home decorating project. I find humor in most every aspect of life. My husband and I live (and
enjoy each other’s company) in Southern New Hampshire. Together, we have five married
children and ten grandchildren.
Congratulations on your newest release! Tell us a bit about your story.
As one of the winners in
the 2014 Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel contest, Double Header is my first published novel.
Casey Gallagher credits a carefully crafted game plan for her wins: her solid marriage to Sam;
her lucrative marketing career in Boston; and her popular sports column, Double Header, which
she writes with her brother, Griffin. When Casey discovers that her late father, the only man she
idolized, had an affair which produced a son even he didn't know about, she’s determined to
identify this walking threat to his memory before he can do any harm. When Casey attempts to fit
the changes that life throws at her into her idealistic plan, she’s challenged by the dialogue
running in her head. Is it her conscience or her imagination? Or is it the voice of the God she’s
not sure she believes in?
Where did you get the inspiration for your story?
The first novel I wrote—Party of One—was a
finalist in the 2011 Operation First Novel contest. One of the characters in that book had a lot of
my daughter’s characteristics. She was my inspiration for the protagonist in Double Header.
Griffin, her brother in the book, is a lot like my two sons.
What do you hope folks will take away from your story?
That God’s plans for you are always
better than anything you can come up with. So let go of control and surrender to His will! It may
not be easy, but it’s simple.
Do you have a favorite scene in the book? If so, can you tell us a bit about it?
The scene where
their feisty literary agent, Roberta Herzog, scolds confident Casey and wise-cracking Griffin
until they feel like they’ve been called to the principal’s office. She leaves them speechless for
the first time.
What do you plan to work on next?
I’m just finishing my third novel, Manhattan Grace. Set in
New York City, a young, confident actress is mentored in her faith by an older, wiser Messianic
rabbi, while she helps him pursue an unlikely romantic relationship with a famous Moldovan
opera soprano. Through a series of humorous misunderstandings, they find themselves embroiled
in a jewel heist at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Where can readers connect with you?
http://www.claricejames.com/
Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest
Where can readers buy your book(s)?
Amazon Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iPad, Paperback Amazon, Paperback Barnes & Noble
Last but not least, apart from writing, what is your favorite creative outlet?
I enjoy home
decorating projects. I like choosing the colors and creating design, shopping, and putting it
together—but I don’t paint or do construction.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Crystal.
We've enjoyed having you here today, Clarice. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
Okay, folks, it's your turn to answer a question. Clarice has offered to giveaway an autographed paperback copy of her book to one commenter who answers the following question:
When is it hardest for you to give your control over to God?
(Winner limited to North America, and will be announced in the Weekly Windup post on Monday.)
Good morning Crystal and Clarice. I think my biggest issue with giving total control is in my daughter's life. She has encountered some life-changing problems in this last year and I tend to worry over them. Long ago, I put my life completely in God's hands but I need to remember to leave it all with Him.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Yes, we all need the reminder from time to time, Connie. Thanks so much for stopping by today.
DeleteDouble Header sounds great and I would love to read it! We seem to always try to figure out or handle situations that come along but if we turn them over to God or at least ask for his help, we will be much better off. God knows better than we do!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this opportunity and introducing Clarice to us.
Yes, God definitely knows much better than us. I'm glad He's in control.
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Melanie.
What a fascinating question! Ironically, I think the toughest time to surrender my (lack) of control and give it all to God is when anxiety sweeps over me that things aren't going well. This is the time I need Him and when I need to remember He's with me and not against me.
ReplyDeleteClarice, your novel sounds like a great read. Thanks for this Giveaway.
estock(at)fairpoint(dot)net
I hear ya, Elaine. Often those are the times I quote Philippians 4:6-7 to myself.
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
Hello ladies. Great interview. It's always been hard for me to surrender control when it comes to my kids....but I am learning to let go and let God.
ReplyDeleteBy the answers here today, ma'am, you're surely not alone. :) I'm all glad God teaches us He is trustworthy.
DeleteThanks so much for stopping in today. Have a great weekend.
Great interview.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. Glad you could drop by. :)
Delete