Monday, July 5, 2010

Dan Walsh's "The Homecoming"


We're happy to have Dan Walsh with us today talking about his book, The Homecoming. To learn more about Dan and his book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
The Homecoming is a sequel to my first novel, The Unfinished Gift, which released last September. After finishing the first book, I hadn’t intended to write a sequel. But I knew I wasn’t ready to leave these characters behind; they had become like family. And I could see they had at least one more story to tell. This time, a love story. Best-selling author Colleen Coble called it, “One of the most touching and delightful love stories I’ve ever read.” When I read her endorsement, I was so happy, because that’s exactly what I’d set out to do with the second book.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
The Unfinished Gift was a one-book deal. My agent and editor both asked me, “What else do you have in mind?” When I told them I thought there was another book here, at first they were reluctant. Both felt the first story seemed complete. Then I said, “I’m thinking about a love story on this...between Shawn and Katherine.” Both said they said they’d thought about that possibility but wondered how it could happen (we all knew there’d be some serious obstacles to overcome). When I told them what I had in mind they both instantly loved the idea and asked me to start developing it. Revell offered the second contract after I’d written about 75 pages.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Hmmm…First, I don’t sing half bad; I’m at least as good as the singers on American Idol who get knocked out in the early rounds. Second, while I do love and listen to Christian music, I also really enjoy the old standards, songs being brought back now by guys like Michael Buble and Harry Connick, Jr. And third, when I got saved as a senior in high school, I was a long-haired surf bum who had absolutely no ambition to be anything else for the rest of my life.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
As most of you know, the publishing world moves pretty slow. My second book (the one featured here) has just come out, but I’m actually finishing up my fourth book now. The working title is The Book Nook. It’s a Christmas novel set in 1980, about a little bookstore owned and run by Art and Leanne Bell. The day after Thanksgiving, Art collapses at the store and is found by a homeless man. It’s the busiest shopping time of year but Leanne needs to stay in the hospital by Art’s side. Her son, Rick, a CPA in Charlotte, reluctantly agrees to help. He cancels his skiing trip and drives down to Seabreeze, Florida, his old hometown. He thought he’d left it for good ten years ago. Over the coming days, Rick gets re-introduced to the mother he’s ignored and the stepfather he’s rejected, as he listens to a host of charming and eccentric characters, whose lives have been forever changed…at The Book Nook. Oh…and Rick is also introduced to a woman who will turn his life upside down.

5) Parting comments?
Thanks so much for the chance to interact with your readers. If they decide to pick up a copy of The Homecoming my first hope is that they’ll thoroughly enjoy themselves. I hope they’ll feel transported back to a simpler time when our country made a whole lot more sense and become totally immersed in the lives of characters I’ve come to love. And I hope every reader will be able to say what Colleen Coble said when they finish the last page.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I’d love to have them visit my website, http://www.danwalshbooks.com/ or check out my blog, which they can get to from my website by clicking on “Latest News.” Or they can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/authordanwalsh

24 comments:

  1. I've not read the first book yet, but this book "The Homecoming" sounds interesting to me. The cover also grabs my attention and makes me curious to read the story. I like the premise of your Christmas novel, also.
    Thanks for the interview!

    Blessings to you both ~
    Beverly
    bgrider2@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  2. I loved the "Unfinished Gift" I would love to win the second part.

    ~Steph
    soklad@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. please enter me, I enjoy these messages on facebok

    mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  4. please enter me, I enjoy these messages on facebok

    mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

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  5. I haven't had a chance to read one of Dan Walsh's books. I love the chance to win one!

    Thanks!

    hspruitt {at} juno DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Morning K. Dawn,

    Thanks for posting the interview. Hope you have a wonderful day!

    Dan Walsh

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  7. Another new author to me and the books sound great. Please enter me in the giveaway as I would really love to read this book.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sounds refreshing.
    wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com

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  9. I would like to win your book, especially after seeing Colleen Coble's comments.
    Kaye Whitney
    kayewhitney@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  10. would enjoy reading this fabulous book...thanks for the chance :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  11. thanks for the interview...Your books sound realy good. I can;t wait to read them. please include me in your drawing..I went to your website to check out your books....

    Thanks so much again.
    blessings
    Heidi

    heidijohnjeff@verizon.net
    follower

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  12. Characters that stick with you are such a find!
    Please enter my name in your drawing.
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  13. Reading this interview makes me want to read both books :) I'd love to win this!

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  14. After reading the review I would like the storyline and would like to win.

    cenya2 at hotmail dot com

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  15. If Colleen Coble recommends a book, that means I should definitely read it. Please add my name to the drawing.

    janmarien[at]embarqmail[dot]com

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  16. Hey everyone...sorry for not responding sooner. I checked earlier this afternoon and saw it only said 1 comment. I knew I had left one, thought it was mine.

    I clicked on it just now and there are 15. Oops. I was on another blog today that was really acting up. Posts disappearing, then reappearing.

    Anyway, thank you all for jumping in to win the book. I'll check back more often. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.

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  17. I have his first book; loved it.....anxious to read this one. Please enter me. Thanks!!!
    jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

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  18. I would Love to win this book! It sounds wonderful!
    You also now have me hooked on "The Book Nook"!
    Thanks

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  19. Please include me in this giveaway!

    readingatthebeach(@)gmail(.)com

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  20. Love to win Dan's book!
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

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  21. Love to win. Thanks
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  22. I have not read any of your books Dan, but I love this concept and can't wait to read. So many young adults leave their home with no intention of returning and when faced with having to go back home they usually find out it was exactly what they needed to full fill their life. I have added you as a new author and Homecoming to my wish list. Thanks for stopping by to chat.
    Thanks for the opportunity to enter.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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  23. Great interview. I would love to win this book. I have not read the first one yet but still would like to read this one. Thanks for the chance to WIN! ybutler@oppcatv.com

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  24. I would love to win this book. It sounds really interesting.

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