INTERVIEW WITH TESSA STOCKTON

Welcome author Tessa Stockton of The Unforgivable





A former contemporary dancer and missionary, Tessa Stockton, who has also been active in politics and human rights groups, now writes Christian novels. The Unforgivable, available in Paperback, Kindle or Nook, is her first book in the political intrigue series, “Wounds of South America.”





Kym: Tell us about your recently released debut novel: The Unforgivable.

Tessa: It's a contemporary love story entangled in the aftermath of Argentina’s Dirty War—a military dictatorship that took place during the years 1976-1983. It’s about a Christian woman from Tennessee who goes to Buenos Aires for a quilting expo, then unexpectedly meets and falls in love with an ex-Navy officer whom she discovers is accused of war crimes.

Here’s the blurb:

Accused of the worst war crimes in the history of Argentina, Carlos Cornella is despised by a wounded nation…

“I’m in love with a monster. That’s what people call him anyway: monster, murderer, kidnapper, torturer, sociopath, even the devil. His crimes are so terrible that he may be unforgivable. But I have come to know him as something else. I know him as God’s Treasure. And I’m not sure what to do about that. So, here’s my story.”

Kym: Where did you find the inspiration to write this particular book?

Tessa: About 16-17 years ago, I was involved in human rights. In fact, choreographed a dance suite in memory of victims of Argentina’s Dirty War. Then I sort of had an epiphany. God gripped my heart and compelled me to pray for the very people whom acquaintances wanted to see brought to trial. I saw flaws in the blind zeal that buzzed around me, and even when I dove into the hard-to-stomach research way back when, the entire time, I couldn’t help but feel conflicted. I believe the Lord prodded me to dig deeper, searching for the spiritual significance of events that evolve from the aftermath of war. He led me on the path to forgiveness. All people, labeled monster or not, are children of God, regardless of earthly repercussion caused by sin, violence, war, remorse, guilt... God offers healing, and no one is immune from redemption. The Unforgivable is a result of that era in my life that left such an impact.

Kym: Can we expect similar stories from you in the future?

Tessa: Yes, The Unforgivable is the first book of the series, Wounds of South America. Each novel portrays love and redemption in the midst of some of the desperate political conflicts that have plagued South America.

Kym: Life is often challenging, so how do you keep your sanity in this world?

Tessa: Prayer, sleep, and coffee—in that order. If I go without one of those for long, I might cause trouble.

Kym: How can readers find you on the Internet?

Tessa: I’m on various online social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter, also my blog, http://www.tessastockton.blogspot.com/ Other than that, come harass me at http://www.tessastockton.com/

It’s easy to enter for a chance to receive an autograph copy of THE UNFORGIVABLE. You can do one of the follow or as many as you wish. The more you do, the better your chances are of having your name picked.

Good luck!

+1 Leave a comment on this post.
+1 Become a follower on this blog
+1 If you’re already a follower of this blog
+1 Post THE UNFORGIVABLE trailer on your blog (I'll need the link).
+1 Watch and leave a message on my Youtube post http://youtu.be/-GC5g3fkatQ
+1 For each post you reference the contest on my blog (on your twitter, facebook, etc. I'll need the links.)
+1 Become a follower on my other blog,FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS, MUSIC, AND MOVIES,http://fortheloveofbooksmusicandmovies.blogspot.com

Contest runs June 23rd to June 30th, 2011, so hurry and start accumulating your chances to win.

Please post in the comment section what you’ve done, along with the site link/s. You can either leave your email address to be contacted if you win, or check back later after the contest is over for the winner.

TEEN VOICES

A great message for teens.

IF ONLY...

I have to admit I picked ALL I EVER WANTED by Kristan Higgins because of the main characters name. Yeah, I know, but I have a tendency when I spot a book with one of the characters names the same as two of my daughter's with uncommon names, to purchase it.

Kristan Higgins is a new author for me and not long after I received ALL I EVER WANTED, I ordered MY ONE AND ONLY. Another risky move, ordering another book by the same author you have yet to read. As and aspiring author and an avid reader, I'm all too aware that even the best writers can produce a "bad" novel now and again or change their style. Thus I will be giving MY ONE AND ONLY a fair chance.

Because I'm an inspiring writer and a Christian, I like to point out the positives in a book. In my opinion, if there were, I won't write a review and will only include a synopsis. After all, writing is subjective.

When I first began reading ALL I EVER WANTED, I was a little put off by it being first person and so contemporary. Not the kind of book I'm accustomed to reading and love. Yet, I was willing to give it a chance. But I quickly realized the story was not going to be one I could stomach. By page twenty I HAD to put it down, and the story started on page nine.

Was it all about being first person? No.
Was it poorly written? No.
Did I not like the storyline? Not exactly?
Was I intrigued to go forward? Yes.
Were the characters three dimensional? Yes.

But!

What I have a problem with, being a Christian, is all the foul language, offensive words, and insinuations. I've read my share of non-inspirational books, and I'm not opposed to stories that aren't faith based. I just believe whole heartedly that one can write an amazing, compelling, life changing, emotionally-resonating story without sex and bad language. I was astounded at how many foul and offensive words were used in only the few pages I read.

In recent years I've gravitated more and more to inspirational books. Now days, it's rare for me to purchase one that isn't. Until this book, I hadn't realized how much I appreciate good, clean fiction. I never have to worry about my kids picking up one of my books and reading it. And believe me, it happens.

Based on the back cover blurb:

For Callie Grey, things aren't going well. The love of her life and boss, Mark, ended their relationship because of "bad timing". Later, he confesses to being in a serious relationship. If that's not bad enough, she's turning thirty with no prospects in sight.

Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with Ian McFarlan, the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian. Callie decided to give him a "makeover" and darn if she doesn't fall for him.

GOD AT WORK

"Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?" Romans 6:16 Watch this amazing story of the transforming power of Jesus Christ through the Word of God.

God at Work - Alex Calloway from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.

BOYCE AVENUE

New music discovery.

WHERE DOES THE TIME GO

It’s hard to believe my oldest daughter will be graduating eight grade tomorrow. What a gift from God our children are. You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s true…time flies, so make the most of every moment.