Venturing to Other Worlds

Welcome! And happy release day to fellow HopeSprings Books author G.E. Hamlin! I’m honored to have the opportunity to interview her on such an important day. So, meet G.E. Hamlin…

Hi Ginny. Thank you so much for being here. Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.

Probably one of the most surprising things about me if you’ve never met me in person, is to discover I’m 6’ tall. And no, I never played basketball or volleyball, but I did model in the late 70s and early 80s. The second thing that might surprise readers is my ethnicity. I’ve literally been asked, “What are you?” to which I graciously respond, “Human.” (I’m joking.) My ethnic background is bi-racial –my late father was black and Sioux Indian, and my mother is white – I get my freckles from her. The third thing that might surprise readers is I enjoy “old movies” with actresses like: Jane Wyman Lana Turner, Better Davis, Susan Hayward, Joan Crawford…the list goes on and on. One of my favorite movies is “Miracle in the Rain” with Jane Wyman and Van Johnson.

Great answer! Which author(s) do you most admire? Why?

I think James McMurtry, author of Terms of Endearment (movie by the same name) is a fabulous storyteller. For me, he created characters I believed existed, and lived on well after I put the book down. His characters each had an endearing quality.

Oh, I completely agree. His characters in Terms of Endearment are very impactful. What is your favorite genre to read? Write?

I appreciate Christian fiction with an edge, which unsurprisingly is what my publisher, Chalfont House/HopeSprings Books promotes. And by edge I mean true to life stories that represent what Christians face in the world.

I, too, appreciate Christian fiction with an edge and believe its potential for reaching nonbelievers is often overlooked. I commend HopeSprings Books for rising to the challenge. Which famous actor or actress would play your main character in a movie?

This is a great question. I’d be interested to hear who the readers would cast in the roles of: Randall Connor, Darla Connor, Paul Connor, and the protagonist, country music artist Jack Collins (also known as J.J. Collins). As for me, when I wrote “Marriage Takes Three” I had specific actors in mind, so you can see why I like your question.

Randall Connor – I envision a younger Alec Baldwin (I say in his 40s).

Darla Connor – Diane Lane is my ideal actress for the character.

Paul Connor – I pictured Zac Efron.

Jack Collins (J.J. Collins) I visualized a younger Kris Kristofferson (also in his 40s).

What message do you hope your readers will take away after reading your novel?

I’ll reference a line from one of my characters; you’ll have to read “Marriage Takes Three” to identify which character.

The character says, “Lord, thank you for being faithful—even when I’m not.” That’s a humbling takeaway.

Humbling, powerful, and just what I needed today. Thank you. Now, what has surprised you most about being an author?

The most surprising aspect of being a published author, for me, came after I theoretically typed the words “The End”. I had no idea how much work was involved in marketing.

The more I talk to fellow authors, the more I realize marketing challenges all of us. I’ve also learned that many authors have little support from their publishers, which is another reason for us to be grateful for HopeSprings Books. The support from the small press is invaluable. As we close, could you please share your favorite Bible verse and the ways in which it impacts your writing.

One of the many Bible verses that have impacted my life and spills over in to my writing is Matthew 17:20 — about the faith of a mustard seed. There were times in my writing journey where doubt would creep in and whisper that I was a hack and that I’d never be published, but I hung onto the passion I believe God placed in me to write novels about broken marriages and persevered, often with no more faith than a mustard seed.

Ginny, thank you for being here. I’ve truly enjoyed the interview.

Angie, thank you for having me on your blog, it’s been my honor and pleasure. I look forward to responding to any questions or comments that your readers post.

 

Darla Connor is struggling with whether to stay in her troubled marriage or walk away. Maintaining a long distance friendship with an old sweetheart isn’t making the decision easier, especially when that sweetheart, now a famous country music star declares his love for her, even though she is married. Randall Connor is a recovering alcoholic and wants to heal his broken marriage, and as a new believer, he is counting on God to help him. When Darla rejects his ultimatum to sever ties with her old boyfriend, he’s in for the battle of his life. Will Darla follow promises of a better life with her old boyfriend, or will she surrender to God in time to save her marriage?

G.E. Hamlin (Ginny) passionately writes about broken marriages and the restorative power of Jesus Christ. Her stories stem from personal experiences and working in lay ministry as a member of her church. Her characters encounter the natural consequences of addiction to: alcohol, drugs, and sexual immorality. It is Ginny’s hope each story will create a bridge for discussion in real life.

Ginny has been a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) for over six years. Her style of writing reflects the qualities of Nicholas Sparks’ soft side and the fast pace of James Patterson.

She and her husband Ed have a blended family with five adult children and eight grandchildren. Ginny and her husband live in Southern California where they enjoy the beach, desert, and mountains. As a full time author, she is blessed with frequent opportunities to spend time with the grandchildren.

Find Ginny…

On Amazon.com and order Marriage Takes Three

On her blog  http://eghamlin.com/Gblog

On her main Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GEHamlin

On her Facebook author Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/G-E-Hamlin/111808395523799?ref=hl

On Google+ https://plus.google.com/+GinnyHamlin/about

On twitter Twitter.com@GEHamlin

On Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/pub/g-e-ginny-hamlin/77/939/89

On her Goodreads profile https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7236005.G_E_Hamlin

On Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/ge0073/

As always, thank you for hithering and venturing to another world with me. Many blessings as you go throughout your week.