Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Cara Putnam's "Stars in the Night"

We're happy to have Cara Putnam with us today talking about her book, Stars in the Night. To learn more about Cara and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I was working on the last book for my second World War II series for Heartsong Presents and beginning to think about where I might want to set a future series. My husband, who is as big a World War II fan as I am if not more, and I were brainstorming one night. Since I’d done two series set in the Midwest, I kind of wanted to branch out, and I’ve long had a love of classic movies. As Eric and I were talking, we hit on the idea of Hollywood during World War II.
There were so many different roles that the stars played during the war. Canteens. USO tours. Active service. 4-Fed. The plot options and historical details seemed endless. Then as I researched I stumbled on the original Hollywood Victory Caravan. My imagination kicked into overdrive. What if I created a second Victory Caravan? What if a killer followed someone on to the train? What if people died and you were trapped on the train with a killer? And what if romance blossomed in the midst of the suspense? I got pretty pumped very quickly.
Then I got a call from the woman who became my editor at Summerside. She wondered if I might be interested in writing historical romantic suspense for them. And as God works, one of the settings they were interested in was Hollywood. It was perfect timing and a great fit.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Once Susan and I had decided the book was a good idea, I got the signed contract in October 2009. The due date for the book was February 2010, and it released July 1, so it was a very quick turn around. But everyone at Summerside was a delight to work with, and I absolutely adore the cover they gave the book. It’s awesome!

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I love cats – but love my husband more since he’s allergic which means no more cats.
2. I am a dyed in the wool Cornhusker. Go Big Red! And I’m nervous about the Huskers joining the Big Ten in 2011 since that means they’ll be in the same conference as my husband’s alma mater.
3. Not only do I homeschool my kids, but I was homeschooled from fifth through tenth grades, when I started college.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
Currently I am writing book ten in Guideposts’ new contemporary mystery series. I have also written book four which releases in September. It’s a series that centers around a 62 year old protagonist that loves quilts and stumbles into lots of mysteries in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts.

5) Parting comments?
It is an honor and privilege to be able to write books. My heart’s cry is to write books that honor God and the vision that He gives me while providing entertainment and escape for women as they read. I hope they are swept away into a romance and suspense as they read Stars in the Night.
Could the man Audra loves be her sister’s Murderer?
During WWII, attorney Audra Shaeffer travels with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan – but she’s more interested in solving her sisters murder than selling war bonds. When two people on the train are found dead, including the ex-wife of handsome star Robert Garfield, Audra starts to wonder if Robert’s affectionate overtures are setting her up to be his next victim…

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I can be found at my website (http://www.caraputman.com/), facebook, twitter, and shoutlife. Thanks so much for having me, Dawn!

27 comments:

  1. I'm subscribed! kristinia at lovingheartmommy DOT com

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  2. This book sounds awesome! Sign me up!

    edwina[dot]cowgill[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  3. I would love to win Cara's book. Love her books. Please enter me. Thank you.
    desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

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  4. I remember World War II, and like to read books about it. I would love to win your book, Stars in the Night.
    Kaye Whitney
    kayewhitney@bellsouth.net

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  5. OOooh! Sounds wonderful! Please enter me... ellenmaze[at]aol.com :)
    thank you!

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  6. I would love to read Cara's book...it sounds like a great read. I've always been interested in the WWII era. Please enter me in your giveaway. Thank you!

    Blessings,
    Sandee61

    Muzzley56[at]aol[dot]com

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  7. Every homeschooled child I know has graduated at least a year before they would have in public school. My daughter would like to homeschool but she hasn't made a decision yet. I personally think it would be a great choice for the kids.

    This book looks very interesting!

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

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  8. Sounds like a great book. Looking forward to reading it!

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  9. Fantastic interview! I love how the idea for this book came to you!

    Thanks for the chance at winning! I am a subscriber.

    freda.mans[at]sympatico.ca

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  10. This book sounds very interesting. I haven't read Cara's books, but have heard great things about her work. I coordinate a very active bookclub for my church and am always looking for a new author to introduce to our ladies.
    Please enter me in the drawing. I would love to preview this book as a possible selection for our group.

    RedeemedReaders@bellsouth.net

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  11. Great post, I really enjoyed it.
    Thanks
    I would really love to read this book, its going on my TRL..

    Heidi
    heidijohnjeffATverizonDOTnet

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  12. I love the combination of Hollywood, a train and WWII for a suspenseful story. It brought to mind Murder on the Orient Express with an American twist. Please add my name!
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance. I'm an email subscriber.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  14. Sounds great! Please enter me in the giveaway!

    writer_weaver at yahoo dot com

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  15. Cara, I love this interview! I really enjoyed learning about you & your husband brainstorming together on the story-line. I've heard some wonderful reviews of "Stars in the Night" and would be thrilled to win a copy.
    Blessings to you both~

    Beverly
    bgrider2@cox.net

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  16. Thanks so much for stopping by, all! I appreciate you making the time. I'd love to hear your WWII memories, Kaye. And homeschooling was a great choice for my family growing up and has been a great choice so far for my kids. I've never seen Murder on the Orient Express (shh -- don't tell anyone!) but from what I know of it, I hope there's a similar feel. Kind of film noire but with hope because whereever God is there is hope.

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  17. I heard about Stars in the Night on Facebook and I am looking forward to reading this book by Cara Putman. Great review!

    rbooth43atyahoodotcom

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  18. You know me and WWII books, I would love to add Cara's to my collection!

    tiffanyniekro at hotmail dot com

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  19. Please enter me! This books sounds great and I can't wait to read it. :)

    booklovercb[at]yahoo.com

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  20. would love to read this fabulous novel...thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  21. Hi! My 92 year old dad is a WWII survivor and I am very interested in that time period...
    Many thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  22. This book sounds SO amazing!! I love WWII and the times it represents and this is such a cool angle! :)
    please enter me: jamida(at)charter(dot)net

    PS - HI K. Dawn ;)

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  23. I am very eager to read Cara's book and appreciate the chance to win a copy.

    I also love cats, Cara, and am thankful that my husband isn't allergic, and that he shares that love. The Guidepost series sounds great, so I'm going to check it out.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

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  24. "Stars in the Night" sounds like a great book with a interesting storyline. Thanks for the chance at the giveaway!

    Sheri

    hspruitt {at} frontiernet [dot] NET

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  25. I would Love to read this book. My parents lived during this time!
    Thank You!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  26. The book sounds wonderful. Please enter me in the contest.

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  27. Sorry, forgot to add my email.
    k_hanns@yahoo.com

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