Calling all contemporary romance fans…I have a special giveaway just for you! This week, author Shannon Vannatter is sharing with us about her latest release Rodeo Hero and is giving one lucky commenter a chance to win a copy of this awesome book! All of the details for entering are below the interview, but for now, let’s take a minute and meet Shannon…
Thank you for being my guest, Shannon. When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Around sixteen years ago, I finally realized that the story I’d had in my head for about that long could be a book. It took me three more years to get a computer and start writing it and 9 1/2 years more to get published. That first badly written book is still in a file and I’ve been thinking about dusting it off and fixing it lately.
Speaking of writing, what is your favorite part of the writing process? The first draft. I’m a pantser. So I learn about things about the story and my characters as I go.
I can totally identify with you, Shannon. I am a fellow pantser myself! I’m excited to hear about your latest book Rodeo Hero. What was the inspiration behind this book? I saw a cowboy and a city girl holding hands at the State Fair and I wondered what they had in common. That became book one. When I pitched it to my editor, she said why is it always the cowboy, why not the rodeo clown? But then who would want to be a clown? I pulled a reason a guy would be a clown out of the air and she liked it, so I had to write the book.
I love it! And this series sounds sooooooo good! Speaking of books, what is your favorite book in the Bible? Romans. It’s full of grace by faith and salvation through Christ.
Romans is definitely a wonderful book in the Bible. Switching gears now, if you suddenly were given one million dollars to start a new charity, what type of charity would you launch and why? I’m an animal lover, so it would definitely be a no kill Humane Society.
What project(s) are you currently working on? I’m currently getting a proposal together for my next series. The first book is about a married couple. They weren’t Christians when they married and when life got tough, they split. Two years later, the book begins. They’re both Christians and unexpectedly reunited.
We will definitely have to keep our eyes open for that book, Shannon. I love the plot line! Now one last question…how can readers connect with you?
Website: www.shannonvannatter.com
Blog: www.shannonvannatter.com/blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/shannontaylorvannatter
Twitter: @stvauthor
I can testify that Shannon has an awesome blog (especially if you LOVE real-life romance) so be sure to stop by and check it out.
Thank you so much, Shannon, for being my guest. It has been an honor to have you here.
And now, here are the super-easy details on how you can enter to win a copy of Rodeo Hero…leave an encouraging comment for Shannon (and yes, anyone can enter, but confirmed subscribers receive two entries, so be sure to sign up to follow this blog, then check your email and confirm your subscription to be added to the subscriber list! ) Giveaway ends on April 19, 2012. A winner will be chosen at random.
Penny Zeller 
I love the story line for this story., it would be wonderful if everyone could get a second chance like that.
This sounds like a good book, it is nice to read things that don’t follow the normal, in this case with the rodeo clown.
Your new series sounds very good. I wish you much success with it! I’d love to read Rodeo Hero!
I am a subscriber.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Shannon, after 40 years with the same wonderful man, I would still like to win and read your book. I entered to win in another blogs giveawy, but alas, did not win, so here Penny has you on her terrific blog and I’ve got another chance to win! (i0h, & Shannon, that could have been me and my hubby holding hands at the fair, but I don’t think you are old enought to have been around for that! LOL) teelayoung@hotmail.com
Great interview and the book sounds really good…even to a guy! I am a subscriber!
Looks interesting!
Please enter me!
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.
Shannon, I admire your perseverance during your writing journey. Penny, thanks for the contest. I’m a confirmed subscriber.
Jo
johudd[at]bellsouth[dot]net
Thank you for the great Interview, your Book sounds awesome and i would like to be included in your giveaway.
Blessings
ingrids62448(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hey Penny,
Thanks for having me on your blog.
Hi Theresa,
The rodeo series was really fun to write and I kind of hated turning the last book in.
Mary Ann,
I have to give all the credit to my editor, the awesome JoAnne Simmons. If not for her, I’d have never come up with the hero/rodeo clown. Though in the rodeo industry, they’re call bullfighters.
Beth,
I hope you get the chance to read it. Lots of research went into it. My dad was a rodeo announcer at a very small, local rodeo for a few years. But I had to learn a lot about pro rodeo.
Teela,
It was around 2004 when I saw that couple. Glad your city girl/cowboy romance worked out.
Bryan,
I’m so glad my interview interested you. Are you a rodeo guy?
Hi Sarah,
You’re in. Thanks for stopping by.
Jo,
Writing definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. Even after publication, it’s not easy. The first book in the series was rejected, but my editor gave specific details on what she didn’t like. I offered to change that thread of the storyline and the rest is history. And my editor was like, the book is better now.
Hi Ingrid,
I enjoyed the interview. Thanks for stopping by.
Shannon’s stories always grab your heart! The new series sounds great – I am thankful for Christian writers like Shannon that keep my reading addiction going!
Hey Kim,
Grab your heart. What a great compliment. Thanks!
This book sounds great. I love discovering new authors and would apprecaite the chance to win your book. Thanks!
mafinnegan(at)yahoo(dot)com
I am always looking for new authors to read and your book sounds really good. I like reading books like you write.
Woah, 9 and a half years…that’s some serious perseverance you got there, Shannon!! I admire your hardwork and hope you will have even more literary successes!
I would love to read your book~
Lilian @ A Novel Toybox
lilianxchengATgmailDOTcom
I would like to be entered to win your book!
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
This book sounds very interesting and I would love to read it. I’ve been with the same guy for almost 49 years (next month) . Thank you for the opportunity!
This story sounds so interesting. I have been with the same guy for almost 49 years (next month). Thank you for the opportunity!
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
This book sounds amazing!! Can’t wait to read it..I love a good Christian based romance story and with the rodeo it’s at the top of my list..Keep the books coming and I will keep reading..
Hi,
Your book sounds really good, I’d like to read it even if I don’t win! Thank you for offering it to one of us.
I enjoyed White Pearls and can’t wait to read Rodeo Hero. Thanks for the great review ladies.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
I am old email subscriber and follower
it is interesting to me that so many author’s don’t get their first story published, often for a long time. Yet they go on to write a lot of good books. I hope you get that first book polished up!
Gail
Melissa,
New authors love when you discover them. I hope you get the chance to read the book. It really was fun to write.
Joye,
Part of the reason I started writing was because I’m a reader.
Lillian,
If there was a writers’ dictionary, you’d probably find my picture under perserverance.
Lane,
You’re in. Thanks for stopping by.
Jo,
Congrats on your real life romance. That’s a lot of years.
Karen,
I hope you get to read the book and let me know what you think.
sbygrace,
I love your handle. I hope you enjoy the book, either way.
Brenda,
I’m so glad you liked White Pearls. I’m always a little sad to see the final book in my series.
Bookwurm,
It’s actually on my agenda for the potential series I’m working on next. I still love that story.