Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Interview with Kim Job AND BOOK GIVEAWAY

It is such a pleasure to spotlight author, Kimberly Job, on my blog. Not only is she a beautiful and talented woman, she has an incredible presence about her and this is reflected in her writing.


Kimberly Job was born in Utah, the middle of three children, and the only girl. She graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in Business Management which later proved useful as she ran a successful small business. She and her husband, Scott, have a combined family of ten children--seven boys and three girls. Kimberly loves being a mom and feels that raising exceptional children is her most valuable mission in this life.

Many times while growing up, escaping into the pages of a book created a safe haven from difficulties in her own life. Her writing reflects the many personal experiences she has gone through and offers insight on difficult issues from a refreshing gospel perspective.

In addition to writing, she is an avid reader and scrapbooker. She loves to cook, play with her children, snuggle with her husband and will never tire of learning new things.
The day Stephanie Roberts met Jared Wakefield, she didn't realize they'd met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, she turns to Jared for support, but he needs more from her than she might be capable of giving. With her abusive husband looming in her past, the difficulties they must overcome to be together seem insurmountable.

Is it possible for love to conquer all? I'll Know You By Heart is a timeless romance that explores the possibility that relationships span the entire realm of eternity. A story about abuse, hardship, and betrayal, it is ultimately a story about the healing power of everlasting true love.

Price: $16.95
Publisher: Valor Publishing Group, LLC (March 16, 2010)
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Binding: Trade Paperback
Pages: 275
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-1-935546-13-9
Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches

Order I'll Know You by Heart HERE

Kimberly writes with power and passion, as she shares the story of Stephanie, a victim of an abusive husband, and her fight to survive and reclaim her life.

On the back of the book you can read my endorsement:
"A story of pain, survival, and love, I'll Know You by Heart is a deeply emotional journey of one woman's determination to save herself and her family from a life of abuse and fear. Kimberly Job writes with power and honesty, allowing us to care deeply about the characters, but still giving us hope for a happy ending."

This book will touch readers hearts and warm their souls as they follow Stephanie's path from the chains of abuse to the joy of everlasting love.

Here is my interview with Kimberly:

M.B.: When did you first know you wanted to be an author?

Kimberly: I have always loved to read, and thoughts about trying to write something myself occasionally flitted through my mind, but I never really pursued it. In 2008, I met a friend who is an aspiring author. I was fascinated and told him that I’d considered writing. He encouraged me to try.

M.B.: What was the pathway like for you to get your first book published?

Kimberly: It was surprisingly easy. My book, I’ll Know You by Heart, is the first one I’ve written. I was approached by my publisher and told, “We want that book.” A couple members of the acquisitions committee had already read it, so I assume that helped it along the way.

M.B.: Were you ever discouraged along the way? If so, how did you deal with it?

Kimberly: I did have moments of discouragement. Because I was a brand new writer, I had so much to learn. I would go to my critique group and receive amazing critiques and feedback about my work, but feel like I had nothing to give back. I read lots of books on writing, and soaked up all the information I could find.

M.B.: What is your writing schedule like?

Kimberly: I don’t really have a set writing schedule. I work and have ten kids, so I spend a lot of late nights writing. I’ve recently set a goal for myself to write 1,000 words before I can spend time on the internet participating in the various forms of social networking.

M.B.: Where do your ideas come from? How do you know the idea is
good enough to write a book about it?

Kimberly: My ideas come from my own personal experiences, and by watching people around me. Even being observant and listening in line at the store is a great way to get story ideas. If I can take an idea and see a beginning, middle, and end, and throw in some conflict along the way, I figure it’s good enough to write a book about.

M.B.: What words of advice do you have for other writers who desire to
have their manuscripts become books in print?

Kimberly: Read, read, read—books in the genre you are interested in writing, books on writing—pretty much anything you can get your hands on. Also, join a critique group. I have learned so much from my critique group. It’s helpful to get critiques on your own writing, but also to hear recommendations for others. It is also motivating and keeps me writing since I know that I have to bring a new chapter to critique group each week.

M.B.: What is your process of brainstorming a story? Do you just sit
down and write, waiting to see what happens next? Or do you outline
first?

Kimberly: I have done it both ways, but I prefer to have an outline. I don’t necessarily outline fine details, but it keeps me on track and helps me hit the main points along the way. I find when I don’t out outline, I spend a lot more editing time trying to make sure that all the details fit.

M.B.: Do you ever experience a snag in a story, a form of writer's
block? If so, how do you deal with it?

Kimberly: I often have moments where my writing seems flat and I don’t like the way my story is going. I figure if I think it is boring, my readers will too. I usually note in my manuscript in capital red letters about what I need to add to the scene later. Then I go to a scene that is more defined in my mind. I find if I take some time away and think about a troublesome spot, I usually come up with something that is much better than the original idea. When I start feeling excited about an idea, I know it’s the right one, and can’t wait to write it.

M.B.: Do you need absolute quiet to write? Do you listen to music when
you are writing?

Kimberly: Because I have a large family, I’m used to noise and don’t need absolute quiet to write. I have never tried listening to music while I write, but I definitely think it could be helpful since music evokes emotion.

M.B.: Any final words you would like to share?

Kimberly: Writing, like any worthwhile pursuit, takes work. But if you have enough desire, you can accomplish anything you set out to do. I attribute my success to some natural talent, but mostly to my determination to learn all I could about the craft of writing. I read everything about writing that I can get my hands on. Also, try not to listen to the perfectionist in your head who says everything has to be exactly right, and wonders if you’ll ever be good enough. If you stick with it, you will.

M.B.: Where can our readers go to find your books and order them?

Kimberly: Right now, my book is available for preorder from my publisher. It’s also available on Amazon. Once it’s released it will be available at Barnes and Noble as well as other local bookstores.
Places you can find Kimberly online:
www.kimberlyjob.com
www.scribbledscraps.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/kimberlyjob
www.twitter.com/kimberlyjob

TO WIN A COPY OF I'll Know You by Heart:
Follow this blog, or post that you are a blog follower. 1 entry
Follow Kim's blog, or post that you are a blog follower. 1 entry
Post this interview and book giveaway on your blog. 1 entry
Follow Michele on Facebook, www.facebook.com/micheleashmanbell 1 entry
Add Michele's button to your blog. 1 entry
GOOD LUCK! Winners announced May 7th

6 comments:

Kimberly Job said...

Thanks for the review and interview, Michele. You are an amazing woman, and have long been an inspiration to me.

Katrina Mortensen said...

I follow your blog and love it. So much fun to read. Please Enter me in for the book.

Katrina Mortensen

Katrina Mortensen said...

I'm a follower of Kim blog

Katrina Mortensen

Katrina Mortensen said...

Posted interview on my blog

Katrina Mortensen

Cheri J. Crane said...

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once I picked it up, I had a difficult time putting it down. I'll be blogging about it soon on Crane-ium.

Heather P said...

I'm a follower of yours and Kim's blog. The book sounds like a great read. Please enter me for the book. Thanks :D
Heather P