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Looking Out the Window: Read about the Inspirational Writing of Regina Andrews. She Shares Her Thoughts on Writing and Faith.





Regina will give away a $10.00 Amazon gift card and a PDF copy of EITHER Light of the Heart OR Angels of the Heart. See below for Regina's question to answer to enter to win. Then leave your comment with an email address.

Welcome, Regina.
Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Gail. I am thrilled to visit and happy to share my thoughts on writing with you and your readers. 

It’s wonderful to have you. Tell us about your latest book. I am very excited about my newest release. It is a reissue from Writer’s Exchange Publishing titled Angels of the Heart. This is book two in my Sterling Lakes series.

What inspired you to write this particular book? That’s an interesting question because usually I rely on my imagination for inspiration. This plot, however, has one particular element that actually happened to me. In the book, developers come into town and their plans for a strip mall require the destruction of the Townsend Barn, a beloved local landmark. In real life, I lived in a rural area where a developer swooped in and wanted to build a complex that would destroy much of the open space in our town. Almost overnight, we became activists. I am happy to report that we were successful and the open space is still preserved to this day.

Congratulations! And thank you for sharing your inspiration for it with us. What themes do you write about in general?

Mostly all about the different forms of love. Since my books are Inspirational romances, there is a sizzling romance between a man and a woman. Then there is a relationship with God. The romance and the love of God are intertwined in most of my plots.  Other themes are faith, courage and the past and the present. The road is never easy, but the ending is always happy.

I love happy endings. Your faith must affect your writing. Tell us how.

It is my belief that everything comes from God. We are here because of Him, to open our hearts to Him and really trust him. Not just by praying “Let me get this” or  “Give this to me”. We have to turn the table. Prayers such as “What do you want from me?” or “I trust you to carry me through this” are prayers that demonstrate a respect and awe for His power. His will is the ultimate truth; not how or what we want, but what He wants from us. So yes, absolutely, this faith, this outlook of mine colors everything I do, including my writing. I am constantly writing about good people who hit really hard times and have to find their way out. Always the answer comes from God. Not a lightening bolt, though. It could be a song they hear or something another character says to them. This is the Holy Spirit inspiring them – egging them on – to perceive God’s message. That moment of realizing His presence and His word is the beginning along the path of healing and rebirth. It is not instant joy, with rainbows and bluebirds. It takes effort and courage. But the end result is always joyful. 

What a beautiful force to have behind your writing. Your words make me think of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God…”

Do you put yourself in your books?

No. There’s a lot of my sister, however, in Patty O’Malley in the Sterling Lakes series.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Yes, I would say don’t ever, ever give up. Believe in yourself and your talent and express your message the best way you possibly can. Keep working. Keep reading. Ask everyone to read your work. Listen to feedback. Keep an open mind.  Most of all, toss your ego into the local landfill!

LOL. Good advice. Thanks so much.

Thanks for having me, Gail.

About Angels of the Heart

The life of a television journalist has been good to Maryanne Lynch. That is, until she learns of developer Travis Collimore's plans to destroy the Townsend Barn, a cherished Sterling Lakes landmark, and build a strip mall in its place. Will Maryanne's efforts to stop him be successful? Or will Travis' plans for the future prevail over her attachment to the past?

Brief excerpt from Angels of the Heart
"Thank  you  for  visiting  the  show  today."    
His brown  eyes  traveled  up  and  down  her  frame.  "No problem."   "Everyone is  all  worked  up  about  the  renovations  to  St.  Luke's  Church  and  the  new  face  of  Sterling  Lakes.  It's  a  hot  topic." 
 "It's good  the  town  folks  are  interested."  
"They  are  more  than  interested,  they  are  reborn.  This  is  the  new  lease  on  life  that  Sterling  Lakes  has  been  praying  for  so  very  long.  You  can't  imagine  what  it  means  to   us." 
"Heartwarming.  Now,  if  you'll  excuse  me?"   
Maryanne  had  done  enough  interviews  to  know  his  tone  of  voice  probably  meant   he  was  not  really  interested.  She  took  one  step  closer  to  him.  "There's  just  another   thing  to  clear  up.  If you  develop  St.  Luke's  the  way  you  explained  on  my  show,  it   means  you'll  have  to  raze  the  Townsend  Barn." 
"There is  a  structure-­-­"  
"Townsend  Barn."  
He nodded.  "There is  a  structure,  Townsend  Barn,  thank  you,  which  currently  stands  right  in  the  middle  of  the  land  that  will  house  the  rectory  and  youth  center.  To build the extension, the  barn  has  to  go." 
"That  can't  happen."  
"The  architect  has  designed  for  it  to  happen  that  way."  
"The  people  of  Sterling  Lakes  love  the  barn.  It  has  an  angel  weather  vane.  That's  very  rare,  you  know." 
 "I  don't  know  what  to  tell  you.  The  plans  have  been  drawn  up  and  approved."  
Maryanne arched one eyebrow.  "Really?  We all know plans are made to be broken."

About Light of the Heart, the first book in Regina's Sterling Lake Series



Stained-glass artist Cascade Preston has overcome a dark childhood, deeply shadowed by domestic violence, in the town of Sterling Lakes. When she is approached to design new windows for a refurbished church in Sterling Lakes, she ignores the request. But when the no-nonsense Project Manager Dan McQuay appears looking for the window plans, the project takes on a whole new light.
Will Cascade be able to keep the dark, protective cocoon she has built around herself intact, or will McQuay break through and shine new light into her heart? Is it possible that God's plan for Cascade will lead her to forgive the town that ignored the situation with her family?

Brief excerpt from Light of the Heart
Cascade watched the sun, dappled from the leafy trees nearby, play across the firm planes of his face. "Being back here, I don't feel like anything has changed."
"Does that surprise you?" he asked.
"The way things are going lately, everything is coming as a surprise. I'm just trying to process it all."
"Want to go into the church?"
"Sounds like a great idea." She looked over at him but could not read his expression. They walked past the dirt piles toward the front of the church. A songbird trilled in one of the rhododendron shrubs as they moved by. Sunbeams glinted off the colorful stained glass windows. At the top of the wooden staircase, Cascade held the brass handle to open the ornately carved door.
"Go on." Dan reached beyond her and held the door open for her.
She entered the vestibule, blinking her eyes as they adjusted to the darkness. Images of the past flooded her mind. Some of them good, some of them not so good. She turned to Dan. "Come with me."
"You got it. "
They walked together down the main aisle. Cascade inhaled the familiar scents of wood, candle, and incense. She stopped midway and turned to face the back of the church. "These windows are beautiful," she whispered, looking up at the large round West window. "This is where I was inspired to do what I do and to be who I am today."

Regina also has an inspirational romance, In Good Faith, available from Awe-struck Publishing at http://www.awe-struck.net/books/in_good_faith.html

Read more about Regina and her books at the following links:
http://www.writers-exchange.com/Angels-of-the-Heart.html
http://www.writers-exchange.com/Light-of-the-Heart.html
http://www.reginaandrews.com 
http://worldofgood-gina.blogspot.com
I belong to a wonderful group of writers called the Jewels of the Quill. Check us out here:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/jewelsofthequill2.html

Regina's Contest: Leave me a comment and tell me what you thought of this post. What theme do you find the most compelling as a reader? A winner will be drawn at random and will receive a $10 Amazon Gift card and a PDF copy of either Light of the Heart or Angels of the Heart. Good luck to everyone. Thank you and blessings, Gail. 

Comments

Diane Craver said…
I enjoyed this interview and learned something new about you, Regina!

I didn't know that about a developer wanting to build a complex in your rural area. I'm glad you were successful and still have the open space.

I loved both LIGHT OF THE HEART and ANGELS OF THE HEART. You're a talented writer. I liked how you wrote your inspirational books and got your message across in each one without being preachy. Reading about each character's journey as they faced challenges and including God in their life was touching and real to me.

I wish you continued success, my friend!

Gail, thanks for having Regina on your lovely blog - I enjoyed your questions!
Gail Pallotta said…
Hi Diane,
Thanks for coming by. It's my pleasure to have Regina.
Unknown said…
Never read her work, but I'm definitely interested in picking up a copy now!

I think the most interesting theme to me would be the redemption of the antagonist. I am always interested in reading the other side of things, just to see what makes them tick. I also love a happily-ever-after ending, so that's probably why I love a good redemption story.
Gina said…
Gail, thank you so much for having me this week on your beautiful blog. I am looking forward to our time together and to hearing from our visitors.
Gina said…
Diane, thank you for your kind words and for visiting.

The developers could not believe how the town came to life when something we loved was in peril. It was amazing!

I'm so glad you enjoy my books - coming from a writer of your caliber, that means the world to me.

All the best to you, my friend :-)

Hugs and blessing!
Gina said…
Hi Sarah and thank you for stopping by and commenting today.

I agree with you about the antagonist. Truly love and kindness are highly powerful forces that can prompt changes and lead to fulfillment of the promises of the heart.

Have a blessed day :-)
Miss Mae said…
Regina, I'm so happy that you won against the developer! Loved this excerpt and how cool/unfeeling he was about the barn. I can imagine the sparks flying over this issue! :) Best to you on the success of this book. :)
Ben Smith said…
REGINA- excellent interview,really want to read your books as i like to read a series.Continued success in your future projects.REGARDS BEN SMITH
DanielleThorne said…
I've read these books and they're great! Fun giveaway!
Gail Pallotta said…
Hi Regina,

It's great having you here. I'm looking forward to the week also.
Anonymous said…
Great interview! You are both amazing women! Best of luck to you, Regina. It definitely sounds like a good read!
Nancy said…
I'm intrigued by the angel weather vien. Makes me think of my old church which had a tornado go over it. Guess this stuff in OK is affecting my thinking too.
Gail Pallotta said…
Yes, Nancy, the people in Oklahoma need lots of prayers.
Roses said…
I like books where characters need to overcome an obstacle and find redemption or become a whole/happier person. Thanks for having the giveaway.

harnessrose(at)yahoo(dot)com
Rita Wray said…
I enjoyed the interview, it's always fun to learn about the author. Thank you for the great excerpts.

Gina said…
Miss Mae, thank you for your comments and your enthusiasm! So happy you stopped by. Thank you for your good wishes :-)
Gina said…
Ben, thank you very much for your comment. What other kind of series do you enjoy reading in addition to inspirationals? It's great to get a guy's point of view!
Gina said…
Hi Danielle! Thanks for your kind words and for stopping in today :-) Hugs!!
Gina said…
Gail, this is so wonderful! Everyone loves your blog so much. I'm so grateful to be here with you and share my writings. Thank you :-)
Gina said…
Hi Cindy and thanks for your nice, encouraging comments :-) I really enjoy your LinkedIn posts. Hope you enjoy ANGELS of the HEART.
Gina said…
Nancy, you are so right. We all need to keep our friends in OK in our hearts. It is truly unbelievable. Thank you so much for commenting!
Laurean Brooks said…
Gail, thank you for hosting Regina. Insightful interview.

Regina, it surprised me that you don't think you used a part of yourself in your heroine.

I didn't think I did either until one of my high school teachers read my first release (in which the heroine is suppose to be my mom). She commented: I see a LOT of you in this Jenny character.

Hey! This was suppose to be my mom, not me. LOL.

I think we all subconsciously writer from different aspects of our personality. Even the snooty characters I create say things I'd LIKE to say at times. LOL.

I'd love to win a copy of one of these books. landtbeth@yahoo.cjom
Gina said…
Hi Rose and thank you for stopping by and commenting. I'm with you, I love good character development and especially in Inspirationals when the characters listen to God then they change. :-)
Gina said…
Hi Ingeborg and thank you for visiting and commenting. I'm very glad you enjoyed the interview and especially the excerpts :-)
Like Laurie, I was surprised that some facet of your character didn't make it into your novel. Well, I'm sure the faith did. Likewise, it certainly is a good thing to use a personality of someone you love. I certainly hope this new novel does well, and thanks, Gail for having Regina.
Gina said…
Hi Laurean and thanks for visiting and commenting. :-) You make a great point about subconsciously having aspects of ourselves in our characters. As writers we touch on so many, varied sources for inspiration. And your example was great; often it takes someone to point out something we have not seen ourselves. It's a good question because it provokes self-reflection. I never thought of it that way; thanks for the insight.
Big hugs and blessings :-)
Gina said…
Hi Larry and I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Thank you! There's a lot to ponder in Laurie's point and I'm grateful for having writing friends to share issues like this. My sister is really glad that Sterling Lakes is a long series so she has a recurring role! Lol!
Hey, Gina, I LOVE that your sister is represented in one of your characters - sisters rule! But I truly admire your incorporation of faith sustaining through hard times with the end result of joy. Weeping may remain for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5) - a favorite verse. Keep up the good work, Sister!
Gina said…
Hi Sisters Sadie and Sophie!! What a beautiful verse. It is one of my favorites now, so moving. Thank you for sharing it. And thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment :-) Hugs!
Gina said…
Also would like to give a big shout-out and thank you to Karen Wiesner of Jewels of the Quill for the fabulous graphic of my books. She is amazing - as you can see. Thank you so much, Karen :-)
I love story lines that feature both conflict and forgiveness.
Gina said…
Thanks, Connie - conflict and forgiveness are pivotal to this entire series. Great insight and thank you for visiting and commenting. So happy to hear from you and hope you like the "Sterling Lakes" series. :-) Get back to me with your thoughts! Thanks again.
Ben Smith said…
Regina-excellent books such as LIGHT OF THE HEART & ANGELS OF THE HEART.
Please keep up the excellent work!
The books are superb and really show your skills as a writer.
REGARDS BEN SMITH

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