Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.
The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Shirley Brosius, Janine Boyer, and Kim Messinger is Linda L.! Please email my assistant Amy with your mailing address. (amy@litfusegroup.com)
This week Dan Walsh is in the Spotlight again! To win a copy of his book, The Discovery leave a comment on this post!
What is the smartest writing advice you ever got?
It’s the same advice, Suzanne. First given from my agent, Karen Solem. Then my editor at Revell, Andrea Doering, who said almost the same thing. Recently it was reaffirmed by a good author friend, Jim Rubart in an article he wrote for Christian Fiction Online magazine.
It’s this: Don’t get too distracted with other things. The most important thing is writing a great book, telling a great story, something readers won’t want to put down and will want to tell their friends, “You have to read this book!”
What was your biggest break?
It would have to what happened after I sent my first manuscript out for The Unfinished Gift back in late 2007. I had anticipated a long period of constant rejections, so I sent out the first 3 proposals from a list of top literary agents in Christian fiction (figured I could only handle 3 rejections at a time). To my utter surprise, 2 of those agents wanted to read the whole book (as a result, I have only 1 rejection letter in my drawer). Both were interested in representing me. I picked Karen Solem, who had a deal firmed up with Revell in just a few months. That book went on to win 2 Carol Awards and began a long-term relationship with my agent and publisher that’s proven to be an amazing blessing in our lives.
I’m inspired by…
My wife Cindi’s faith, love, constant sacrifice and devotion to the Lord, to me, and to our family. She is the most amazing person I have ever met, or have ever known.
The one thing I hope to discover is…
To learn the secret of contentment Paul wrote about in Phil 4:11-13. And to know Christ the way Paul did (really know Him, not just about Him). I want to get to the place where my joy remains unchanged by life’s ups and downs. I’m pressing into this and experiencing a measure of fruit here. But I want more.
If I could go anywhere, it would be…
On a tour of Ireland, then parts of England and France. I’d want to do it slowly, and with Cindi. Why? Ireland, because I’m 100% Irish; the pics I’ve seen are amazing and, sadly, I wasn’t raised to appreciate my Irish heritage. My desire to tour parts of England and France have come from all my research into the WW2 era (the time frame where parts of 3 of my novels are set).
If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?
All of our family photos and videos. Insurance can replace most everything else.
What has been your most surreal, “pinch-me-I’m-dreaming” moment so far?
Winning those 2 Carol Awards for The Unfinished Gift at the ACFW banquet in 2010. I knew I had been nominated but had thoroughly convinced myself I didn’t have a chance of winning. Even as I prepared my acceptance speech (which they asked all the finalists to do), it felt absurd. Then I won the first one, which seemed totally surreal. When they called out my name for the second award, I almost fainted.
What drives you to succeed?
A desire to write novels that affect my readers as much as the stories affect me when God puts them in my heart. I want them to catch honest and accurate glimpses of Him, and to ponder the things that matter most to Him. And I hope my readership grows to where I can provide adequately for my wife and I, so that I can keep on doing this for years to come.
Best Saturday Afternoon Read
Perhaps Leif Enger’s phenomenal book, Peace Like a River.
Best Forgotten Custom
The family eating around the dinner table every night with the TV off.
Best Time-Waster
Sitting on the beach near our home under an umbrella, toes in the water, Cindi sitting next to me, a great book on my lap, breeze blowing, cell phone off, a constantly changing yet always refreshing view of God’s amazing creation playing out before me.
Best Advice
So many things come to mind. This is certainly one of them:
“He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
should be a wonderful interview, i love you both and are both wonderful authors. please enter me in the contest.
God Bless,
I have read all of Dan's books & find each one better than the last.
Please enter me in the contest. If I win I'll give the book to family or friend.I love to pass along great books.
Wilma
I would love to win a copy of Dan's book The Discovery. He is a new author to me and I would love to get to know him through his books.
Blessings to you both!
Judy
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
sounds great! would love to read and review your book on my blog: http://colormeactive.blogspot.com
rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net
Would love to win a copy of the book.
This is a christian author I have not read, wasn't sure that was possible will have to go see what books by him the library has to offer.
Thank you for this opportunity to get to know Dan. Though I have yet to read any of his books I do so look forward to them now. Please consider me for the contest If I win this I will not only be reading it myself but I will also be sharing it with my dearest sister in law.
God's blessings to you
This a new author to me. looks like an interesting read. Wouls love to win his new book. Thank you 🙂
Mary Ellen Ashenfelder
meashy@verizon.net
I'd like a chance to read this book, it's also a new Author to me.
carolynj63@att.net
I have not read any of Dan Walsh's books, so I would love to get one of his books!
I would love to be entered in your contest to win a copy of your book. Thanks ejs8741@hotmail.com
I have not read any of Dan's books but would love and win this book "The Discovery". Writing what is God given inspires me to read his works. Thank you for introducing him to me.
In Christ
Linda
lstmyers@cinci.rr.com
I have read only one book by Dan Walsh and enjoyed it. Love to read interviews about various authors to really get to know them. Please enter me! Melissa L. racky@carolina.rr.com
I love the authors you are highlighting here. Dan sounds so interesting. I sure could add his books to my library.
DEBBIE MOSLEY I HAVE ONLY READ A COUPLE OF DAN'S BOOKS.THEY ARE THE KIND YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN THAT'S FOR SURE.I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS BOOK.
I would love to win this book…thanks so much!
If Suzanne liked the book, it's good enough for me!!! 🙂
thanks
Loretta
eveningstar888@aol.com
I love Mr. Walsh's "Words of Advice!" I read that in a whole new light today! Love when a "light bulb" goes off! I would so love win his new book!
I would LOVE ,LOVE ,LOVE to win a copy of this book ! Thanks ,Dana M Spille
jashbk@earthlink.net
I have never read any of your writings and would love the chance….so piock me!
trishlee20653@hotmail.com
I would love to win a copy of Dan's book. Please enter me in the contest.
Debra – debsredbirds@yahoo.com
I love his books, can't wait to read The Discovery!
Cindi
laughlinr@bellsouth.net
Always willing to try new authors books. Would love to win
Alway love to read a new writer can't wait to read it thank
I love to read Christian romance novels!
Love to win Dan Walsh's new book…sounds quite interesting too…babyruthmac16@yahoo.com
I would like the opportunity to be introduced to Dan's books. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would love to win one of Dans books!
I would love to read Dan's book!! It is always such a treat to read an author I haven't had the opportunity to read yet, and especially one that comes so highly recommended!! Thank you for giving us a chance to win this book! grammylulu@aol.com
I am excited to find a new Christian writer that I have not read. Looking forward to reading all of his books.
Sounds like a great new author to read. I'd love to read this book.
O Norman
onorman@wilkes.net
WHAT A GREAT CHANCE TO WIN A BOOK FROM A NEW WRITER. I WOULD LOVE WINNING A BOOK WRITTEN BY DAN SO PLEASE THANK YOU FOR THIS CHANCE
Karen khsmith97217@yahoo.com
I loved reading this, tho for some reason, I'd thought Dan Walsh was a long-time author. I would love to win his book, and I love the cover picture. Will it be autographed? Maxie ( mac262@me.com )
Such a treat to see everyone's interest in Dan! Thanks, Dan, for taking the time for the interview. Good luck with this new book release!
would love to read dan's latest novel…thanks for the chance 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Absolutely love his books and yours please enter me in the giveaway and thanks
angelsofmyeye (at) yahoo ( dot) com
Read all your comments so far. Thanks for all your kind words and interest in my book. If anyone has a question or curiosity beyond the interview, feel free to ask.
Can't wait to see who wins.
I would love to read this book. Dan's advice was great and his publication story was very inspiring. I like Dan's way of relaxing too. Hope Dan makes it to Ireland someday. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
I would love to read this book
felecia@twinoaksfl.org
LOVE DAN WALSH'S BOOKS AND WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS ONE TOO!!!!Shelia Hall