Angela Dolbear's "The Garden Key"

We're happy to have Anglea Dolbear with us today talking about her book, The Garden Key. Angela has been kind enough to offer to give away a copy to one lucky blog reader. To register to win, place your e-mail address in the box to the right (subscribe to my blog via e-mail) if you've not done so and leave Angela a comment with your e-mail address at the bottom of her interview. To learn more about Angela and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I have two golden retrievers and a big backyard, so cleaning up after them is a lengthy process, so I spend this time in prayer. The story for THE GARDEN KEY, actually the full novel, was given to me during my weekly “Doody Duty.”
It made perfect sense. At the time, I was studying the Song of Solomon with my husband, Tim, and the book is rooted in Songs 4:12 – “A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a rock garden locked, a spring sealed up.” THE GARDEN KEY is a fictitious look at pursuing purity in a relationship, and living out an obedient life in Christ in the midst of temptation and pressures from outside, as well as inside influences.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Hmm…how much time do you have?! It’s been quite an adventure. The first traditional publishing contract I signed seemed all good at the time. But I soon found out that the publisher had not completely read my book, and the editor was adamant about deleting the climactic scene where the resolve is tested of the two main characters to stay pure in their relationship. Without that scene, the message of obtaining God’s victorious power through prayer and study of His Word would just be a bunch of religious words.
Also, the publisher wanted to change how they were going to market and distribute (online only – which I could do myself), as well as decrease my royalty percentage. There’s a whole bunch of other stuff that I don’t want to get into. It was only by the grace of God that I was able to get out of that contract. Nice people, but it wasn’t a good fit. The publisher I am with now is small, but gives me complete artistic freedom and is generous with my royalty percentage. I am blessed.


3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. Writing and music rival each other as my first love (actually, my fourth love: first is God, second is my hubby, and third is the family which includes my son Kyle and my four-legged muses, Gracie & Caleb). I am far more comfortable considering myself a singer/songwriter/worship leader than I am a published author.
2. Love, love, love Monster trucks. “Grave Digger” is the best and my all-time favorite.
3. Madeleine, the main character in THE GARDNE KEY is not me. A lot of readers assume the book is about me, but it is not. It was inspired by many events that took place in real life, but Maddy is far braver and more obedient in her walk with Christ than I am.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
The sequel to THE GARDEN KEY. In this novel, Madeleine struggles with her doubts and fears, so instead of professing to be a “Lust-o-holic” as she does in THE GARDEN KEY, she is now a self-proclaimed “Fear-o-holic.”
The full-length CD of songs that were written at the same time as the book, and recorder by my band CHILD OF THE SON at Eclectica Studios here in Austin, TX, will be released in the Fall of 2010. It’s like a soundtrack for THE GARDEN KEY.
Also, THE GARDEN KEY Prayer Team is growing (I’m so grateful – I can’t begin to tell you how much), so we are stepping up the communication of specific prayer needs through “Blog-letters” and other internet venues. The Lord told me a while ago that this is not simply a novel (or series of novels) it’s a ministry. From all the emails I’ve received describing how this book has changed lives, I believe Him. And I am greatly humbled.

5) Parting comments?
Writing has been a great blessing in my life, and hope it is for others as well. When I sit down to write it’s like a date with God, a time to receive what He has for me. Nothing comes (worthy of printing, that is) until I have prayed and asked Him for it.

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I’m on Facebook, please feel free to “friend” me. I love meeting new people. I lurk about Goodreads at www.goodreads.com/book/show/7675580-the-garden-key
too. Also, http://www.thegardenkey.com/, Amazon.com, and http://www.cloudpillarpublishing.com/, my publisher’s website, which is the best place to purchase a copy of THE GARDEN KEY (paperback or ebook versions) because my publisher charges less for shipping than Amazon.com and you’ll receive a signed copy. What a deal!
Thanks for taking the time read this interview. Blessings to you today!