Barbara Taylor Blomiquist, author of Randy's Ride

"How Many Books Did You Read This Year?"
That was a question from a third grade boy that I saw when I spoke to the Wright Elementary School. Lucky for me I was able to say, "Last year I read over 52 books." The Third graders and some of the teachers were breathless. Let me ask you something simular. How many books were you planning to read this summer. Most of the summer is gone. You may need to make a trip to the library or amazon.com and get after it. Let me urge you to do something different. Give a new author a chance. Don't always go for the best seller department. Look for local people or even some of the people I have interviewed here. You may be surprised to find a new favorite author.
I want to introduce Barbara Taylor Blomquist, author of Randy's Ride, to you.

1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
I have two books published to date. Both are authored under my full name - Barbara Taylor Blomquist. The first is "Insight Into Adoption" (now in its second edition) and my second book, (my first novel) is "Randy's Ride".

2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
Some would consider me in 'the golden years'. The benefit of that, however, is as most senior citizens will attest to, we've had many valuable life experiences. I've learned so many lessons from others, mainly having worked for years with conflicted families.

3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I was excited when I was 8 years old and a palm reader told me I would one day be a writer. I don't believe in palm readers and I guess my track record shows it - I didn't write seriously for almost 60 more years! Should have started sooner.

4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
Because I like to learn something when I read, I like to write in the same vein. I like to close a book and say to myself, "I never thought of it that way or I never knew that." So, I try to give readers some informative thoughts, and then it's up to them to agree or disagree. I love to hear readers tell me - "I loved your book. It took me to a place I'd never been and I now understand and am empathetic to adoption issues." Then they add, "But you know, what you write about applies to everyone." When I hear that, I know I've done my job.

5. Are you a reader?
Yes, I love to read, to see how authors put words together to create thoughts and moods.

6. What are you reading right now?
I just finished a book about George Washington I picked up at a charity book fair. It's "George Washington, the Indispensable Man" by James Thomas Flexner. The author condensed four volumes into one.

7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
I'm in the editing phase of my next book, "Matt's Wife". It's the story of a young woman who grew up insecure with her identity, not that unusual for an adoptee. The only thing she wanted in life was to be someone's wife - so she wouldn't have to accomplish anything all by herself. After having three children, she found she wasn't satisfied with her life and still didn't know who she was. Through a series of events, she discovers she, and only she, is responsible for her identity. Although the main character is adopted, the question she needs an answer to applies to everyone.

Both my novels, "Randy's Ride" and "Matt's Wife" address the issue of personal identity, and the main characters are faced with the question, "Who am I?" By the end of both novels they have their answers.

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
Lack of time. I announce to my family at least once a year that I'm setting aside the next 2 to 3 months to write and/or edit 4 to 8 hours a day. I recommend they call me only in the case of an emergency. They're very understanding.

9. Please put a description of each of your books here. (back matter is ok)
"Insight Into Adoption" I wrote as an adoptive parent for other adoptive parents. It addresses issues adoption professionals don't tell you about. In many of my counseling sessions, adoptive parents urged me to put something in writing so they could refer to it when they had pressing issues. Adult adoptees have told me after they have read the book that they thought, "She's writing about me. I've never told anyone how I feel, but this book describes me perfectly." Many have shared it with their adoptive parents to help their parents understand how an adoptee feels as a child. The book explains the unique issues of both adoptees and adoptive parents.

"Randy's Ride" is a story of a teen aged adoptee who leaves a loving home because he feels he doesn't fit it. During 18 months on the road, events and people teach Randy many of life's lessons, including where "home" truly is. The book is about an adopted teenager, but the lesson he learns is a lesson everyone learns sooner or later - that we are responsible for our own lives and it's up to us to make our own individual way in the world.

10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
I can be contacted through email at baybar@juno.com. My website is- barbarablomquist.tatepulishing.net/

My books can be purchased online through Amazon, Barnes and Noble,and Borders or at any book store. In addition, "Randy's Ride" can be purchased through Tate Publishing and "Insight Into Adoption" can be purchased through Charles C. Thomas Publishers.

Holiday Season

Holiday Season

The Holiday Season is upon us. Soon Thanksgiving will be here and then Christmas. It is time for not only shopping, but reflection. How do we want our families to remember the holidays with us. Will they remember a frazzeled mother/grandmother, a stressed out dad/grandfather, laughter or arguments from the siblings and grandchildren. One thing I am going to attempt this year is not striving for perfection. My kids know I am not perfect and so do my sweet daughters-in-law. Don't tell the grandkids they aren't aware yet.
Let us remember the reason for the season...even the Thanksgiving season.

Today I am sending you the interview I did with Kimberly Thompson.
She has written a book that moves your heart.

1. What is your name and the title of your book(s)?
My name is Kimberly Thompson; the title of my book is Gypsy Phoenix: A Birthright of Hope.

2. What is one thing you think your readers would like to know about you?
I think the one thing that readers might want to know, is that I overcame obstacles in my life which were purposed to destroy me, but only made me stronger - and that I believe everyone can do the same.

3. When did you know that you wanted to become a writer?
I've always written, ever since I learned how. I've written Haiku, poetry (rhyming and freeverse), short stories, and also have other books in the works. I've always wanted to write.

4. What are your strong points in your writing style or methods?
My strongest points are that 1) I'm "brutally honest" about everything, including my own faults, 2) I make the reader feel as if they are sitting with me, listening to me tell my tale, and 3) I don't try to dazzle anyone with huge words that would have to be defined before reading more.

5. Are you a reader?
Oh yes! I'm definitely a reader! I have daily devotional time that I spend with the Lord in reading His Word, every day. Usually at night when I go to bed, it's with a book - whether it's poetry or fiction or history, I love to read!

6. What are you reading right now?
Right now, I'm reading "The Island of Time: The Journal of Randy Carr", published by Tate Publishing and authored by Matthew Debettencourt of Southbridge, MA. It's a fast-paced, futuristic science-fiction fantasy novel... very intriguing!

7. Do you have another book that you are working on and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes, I have several. Actually, one is a children's book about adoption that I submitted as a contest entry a few years back. It wasn't chosen, so I just kept it. It's only about thirty pages long, and there are no illustrations, yet. The second one is a fantasy novel that I've been working on and tweaking since I was 18 years old. A friend and I started it, but never finished it. I'm thinking now, that it should be done in short-story form, for children. I also have numerous poems and Haikus written... but I've not decided to have them published... just yet. I have so many recipes that I've started typing them and printing them out. I have friends that ask for my recipes every time I cook for a special event, so I keep them on my computer and print them out when I need them - I'm thinking now, a cookbook may be in order!

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacle to writing is time - I have very little of it. I work a full-time job, we have an orchard to care for, one child (of five) left at home, a house to run, I'm a "gg", and I'm also a Certified NRA Instructor for Basic Pistol classes - a handgun safety course. I overcome this obstacle by taking the time necessary - TAKING the time, not making the time. While clothes are washing, instead of dusting or vacuuming, I take the time to write, when I can. Things like that... I call it "stealing time". Sometimes I have to stay up late to write, but when the muse hits... well, you know how it is when you're on a roll!

9. Please put a description of each of your books here.
I only have one published at this time, so here it is. Gypsy Phoenix: A Birthright of Hope "It was a tiny scrap of paper, faded and yellow, with answers to my past written all over it. Why would she save this? 'We thought you might want to find her one day. She sent a message to you; she said to tell you that she loves you very much, and she didn't want to leave you.' Growing up with the broiling heat and frequently unpredictable tropical weather of Louisiana was the easy part; not knowing who she was or where she came from was the hard part. In Gypsy Phoenix, author Kimberly Thompson recalls her life-to-date through pain, tears, and ultimate joy. Relinquished at birth, Kimberly lived life into her thirties always lacking what she truly wished for—answers about her past. But afraid of hurting her adoptive parents, she waits thirty-two years before the embers that have been smoldering within ignite, threatening to devour her completely. Watch Kimberly's story unfold as she discovers unconditional love and forgiveness, which finally offer the freedom to take flight like a Gypsy Phoenix. Having spent many years in ignorance of her heritage, and without the gospel of truth to guide her life, she has finally come full circle to the revelation of who she is and where she began. Whether you have experienced adoption personally or just someone you know, this powerful story will speak to the lost and encourage those who have questions to continue seeking answers."

10. How can readers contact you or purchase your books? Please put your website or blog here.
Readers can contact me on my FaceBook fan page to order... http://www.facebook.com/people/Kimberly-Thompson/100000290615969#/pages/Gypsy-Phoenix-A-Birthright-of-Hope/158557400129?ref=nf They can order directly from Tate Publishing... http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61566-192-3 And they can contact me at my email addresses: 1) ggzplace@yahoo.com2) boudica.rebels@gmail.com

If you missed one of the past interviews of the talented authors I have been interviewing be sure to visit my blog and catch up. These was interesting people!

Holding Hands

Holding Hands
I love the Scripture in Isaiah 41:13 that says that God will hold my hand. There have been many times in my life that I have needed Him to do just that. A lot of times I think God held my hand by using people who are near to hold me so that I can feel tangible support. My husband, mom, dad, sisters, brothers, kids, and friends have all extended that hand at various times in my life.

There are also people that I didn't know all that well at the time who have extended a hand of friendship and comfort to me. One person is my new friend that I see most weekday mornings at the post office. She makes the place shine while I go in and get my mail. It had been a few days since she had seen me and she had grown concerned. When I walked through the door, she put down her cleaning rag and put her arms around me. The tenderness and support from that gesture was priceless. Little did she know that I needed to feel the arms of God around me at that time.

There are also those who reach out to me with tender words in emails or cards. Those words literally feel like arms around my heart. They encourage me and tell me that I can do whatever I need to do and that they appreciate the things I have already done. You can't bottle stuff like that up for resale. That is a gift.

If you knew me when I was a kid through high school you would know a different person than the person I am today. I was afraid of everything. I was shy and wanted to pretty much be invisible. I could laugh and talk with close friends but meeting new people was a challenge. Now meeting new people is most of what I do! God has a sense of humor alright. I urge all of us to reach out and be the hands and arms of God to those around us.

Please read this interview with new author, Ren Royal. When I read it I was moved to tears. Her book sounds unbelievable.





1. What is your name and the title of your book?
Ren R. Royal – “Lost Faith to Living Faith”

2. What is one thing you think your readers would
like to know about you?
A bit of personal info: Author Ren R. Royal was a starving orphan from Seoul, Korea, was adopted into a Lutheran preacher’s family, and came to America, where she became a naturalized citizen. Ren pursues her passion for writing and poetry with the support of her church and family. Ren and her husband, Charlie, reside in Garland, Texas. Ren’s husband is a retired Detective with the Dallas Police, and has been awaiting his 2 retirement while working as Sr. Investigator with the State Bar of Texas. Ren is a full-time legal secretary, plus Author, is an Assisting Minster (or also called lay asst.) at her home church, Resurrection Lutheran, enjoys interior decorating, and helping others wherever possible.

3. When did you know that you wanted to become
a writer?
I have written all of my life, as a way of coping and because it was the only way I could
communicate with others. Writing just came
naturally. Adopted and became a naturalized
citizen of the United States, I experienced
racial prejudice and had no friends until the
age of 30. I had become so withdrawn from
life and society. Unable to break down the
walls and barriers within and around, writing
seemed to be the only thing to break down
those walls and barriers. I never even
imagined that I would have a book published.
Encouraged by others in my church, I started
writing and did not stop. I never really
thought of my writing as something good
enough to be accepted by a publisher due to
my education. I only submitted my manuscript
because I thought it would good for me to
receive rejection. However, instead of being
rejected, my manuscript was accepted to my
surprise. That was God’s way of telling me I
need to have this book published that it may
make a difference in the life of another. I had
dreamed of having a book published but I never thought it would be possible, and when I was not even trying, it happened. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity since only 4% of manuscripts are accepted.
Prayer:
Almighty God,
May the tears of pain and suffering throughout the world become
floods of peace in your holy embrace. May the tears of sorrow become tears of love. May the tears of the world become rivers of your overflowing grace, continually touching one soul after another.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

There are many in the world whose tears are left unseen and I hope that my voice can make a difference in those tears. I once was a woman who prayed for years to die, and my prayers have changed drastically. I thank God and embrace life now. My prayers are for the hopeless, the lost, the hurting, the suffering, the victims, those who have found some reason to stop attending church and believe in God, for PK’s who stopped attending church, for those who have been through hunger, homeless, cancer, and illnesses, physical,mental or spiritually.

4. What are your strong points in your writing style
or methods?
People seem to enjoy my poetry. Sometimes I
find poetry alone too boring, and my mix of prose and poetry flow together and that is what I have found people to like the most.

5. Are you a reader?
No

6. What are you reading right now?
It is amazing that I am a writer, because I don’t read very many books. At the library, I would rather look at pictures than sit down and read.

7. Do you have another book that you are working on
and hasn't been submitted for publication? Tell about it.
Yes. I have written a second book titled, “Lost
Faith to Living Faith, Part II” It has been
submitted and accepted by Tate Publishing.
I am just awaiting the funds to put this book
into action and see how my first book does.
I believe if it is God’s will for this second book
to happen, then it will. It is just a matter of time and patience. In my 2 book, I want to go into a deeper faith, touching those who were raised with the faith, but left. This will include poetic reflections/prayers/stories of lives changed and transformed by God’s love, that faith is alive through Jesus Christ, our Lord. My first book revolved mostly about how I changed, but my 2 book will be more as a devotional with poetry, prose, poetic prayers, that others may too find or come back to the Lord! He does not leave us, we leave Him.

8. What are your biggest obstacles to writing and
how do you overcome them?
My biggest obstacle is that I am not near as
educated as many other writers. I do not
have a college degree. I wasamazed that my book was accepted and not having that
amount of education is no longer a stumbling block to accomplishing one’s dreams.
I never thought it was possible to write a book. I only thought lawyers, doctors, preachers, etc. could write books. We all have stories of our lives, dreams, and aspirations within us, and with faith all things are possible! I am not a highly educated woman and I hope that this book inspires others in the world that regardless of education; if we can love, we can aspire, and if we can live, we can take action! I hope this will inspire other women to listen to their inner hearts – that they too have something to give to the world! They too can find their voice, whether a voice of writing, through music, through art, or whatever one’s talent, we women don’t have to aspire, we can inspire.

9. Please put a description of each of your books
here.
Have you been lost or hopeless and wanted to give up in life? Lost Faith to Living Faith is the true story of how Ren R. Royal overcame her struggles through loss, prejudice, rape, abuse, and depression by placing her faith in the God who is able to heal and restore. This is the inspiring story of Ren’s transformation from hopelessness into a life full of love and joy as she went from Lost Faith to Living Faith. This inspirational and uplifting testimony is for anyone who feels hopeless or has lost faith. See how God’s grace and love can take the most tragic of stories and turn them into something more precious than gold.

“It is so difficult for any of us to realize what it is like to be a person without a family and a home. The author has been there, and she tells both the good and the bad in such a way that makes it difficult to put the book down. Every person, young and old, will discover tremendous insights that will benefit them throughout all of life. Lost Faith to Living Faith is a must read for all.”
Pastor Donald C. Ofsdahl

There are books on people who have lived lives of faith throughout their lives. There are books on atheists or agnostics who have come to believe. How about those who were raised with the faith but lost faith? This is a reality in the world today. Millions and millions of people struggle with faith every day in the world, even preacher’s kids.
Many of us feel as if we are drowning in the sins of the world and we don’t even feel worthy of being saved. Have you known such hopelessness? This is not just about a lost faith, but rather, the faith I found. It is my story of finding hope in the midst of hopelessness, of finding faith while being faithless, of finding joy in the midst of sorrow, of finding meaning in love when nothing seems to have meaning in life. This is not a self-help book nor does it contain all the answers. Ultimately, this is a tale of hope.

10. How can readers contact you or purchase
your books? Please put your website or blog here.
http://www.tatepublishing.com/
bookstore/search.php?search=Lost+Faith+to+Living+Faith
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=565962532#/profile.php?id=100000177425583&ref=profile or look up facebook Ren Royal, and ask to be my friend.