Monday, August 16, 2010

Arlene James' "Baby makes a Match"


We're happy to have Arlene James with us today talking about her book, Baby Makes a Match. To learn more about Arlene and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I had a pregnant friend whose car broke down on the side of the road, and neither her husband nor I could get to her. She had to accept a ride from a kind stranger, and though she was on the phone with her husband the whole time, it was an “uncomfortable” (okay, scary) incident. When I decided to do a contemporary “marriage of convenience” story for Chandler Chatam, who first appeared in Book 2 of the Chatam House series (A MATCH MADE IN TEXAS), I remembered my friend’s experience, and that became the catalyst for my premise.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I’ve been blessed to publish steadily for 3 decades and work almost exclusively on pre-sold book contracts. My agent negotiates a multiple-book contract with my publisher based on the popularity and sell-through figures of my previous books. Then I propose premises until I spark my editor’s interest, at which point I submit a formal proposal. We usually hammer out the details between us, and I go to work. Publishing was an entirely different world in the beginning of my career, and the truth is that God simply opened a door for me. I went through that door, and I’ve never looked back.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Hm, I’m not sure much would surprise my readers at this point. They know that I grew up on a ranch, love rodeo and hockey, and agreed to marry my husband of 34 years on our first date. What haven’t I told them? Let me see… Well, I sing (contralto/tenor); I love to throw large dinner parties (25-30 people), and I’m in the process of moving from Texas, where I’ve lived for the last 33 years, to northwest Arkansas.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I’m working on two projects at the moment: Book 2 in the Love Inspired Rocky Mountain Heirs continuity series (THE LAWMAN’S RUNAWAY BRIDE), and Book 5 of my Chatam House series. After that, I’ll be working on Book 6 of that series, at which point I’ll be at the end of my current contract.

5) Parting comments?
Writing has been the best of all possible worlds for me, and I thank God for putting me where I am. When my children were small, I was able to be at home with them AND work. When my husband’s career had us traveling all over the world, I was able to pack up my laptop and go without having to “take time off.” Now that he is retired, I’m able to work while spending time with him. I can’t imagine giving up this life until God calls me home, at which point someone will probably have to pry the keyboard out of my cold, dead fingers. Ha!

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
In all the usual places (Facebook, Amazon.com, eHarlequin…) and at my two websites: http://arlenejames.com/ and––my personal favorite––http://chatamhouseseries.com. I’m available via email at deararlenejames@sbcglobal.net.

23 comments:

  1. I really enjoy your books. Thank you for focusing on inspirational writing. Annette (abeldridge@charter.net)

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  2. Wow...agreeing to marry your husband on your first date! Guess you knew what you were doing considering it is 34 years later!
    Please enter me to win a copy of this book!
    Maureen

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  3. Thanks for giving me space. Your interview questions were thoughtful and fun. God bless! AJ

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  4. Sounds wonderful - like there are lots of twists and turns as they find their way. I'd love to win a copy! donnabsnow@gmail.com

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  5. I love your stories. I would love to read this new one. I also had a scary incident like the one your friend had. I was 6 mons pregnant and my car stopped on a very dark road in the middle of no where. An older gentleman stopped to help. Seeing I was scared. He gave me his ID, cell Phone, and went and found a stick along the road,to hold until he got me home. What a great man, we are still friends today.
    Heidi
    heidijohnjeff@verizon.net

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  6. Hi Arlene!

    I've never read one of your stories but your interview definitely has peeked my interest!

    Sarah
    sarahsantanablogs@gmail.com

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  7. Would LOVE to win a copy of this book. You KNOW I love your books! angelmom1165@yahoo.com

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  8. I would love to read this book hopefully I will win

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  9. Thanks, everyone. I love writing inspirational romance, Annette.
    Maureen, even now my husband I marvel at how we came together and how blessed we are.
    More twists and turns coming, Donna B. The aunties are such fun and lend themselves to great ideas.
    Heidi, I'm so glad your story turned out well. Your rescuer sounds like my Chandler, almost as if I interviewed you before writing the scene. (Well, except for the big stick. Wish I'd thought of that!)
    Thanks for your interest, Sarah, and Terri, you are a sweetie. God bless you all!

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  10. K. Dawn, where do you find all of these interesting authors? I'm so glad you do, because it opens a whole new world to me and I enjoy the interviews so much. Arlene has written a book I certainly want to read. It sounds like it might be a little suspenseful. Saying "yes" to marriage on the first date shows you have a lot of faith. Wonderful..and I know your going on for your 35th happy year. That's how long I've been married to my husband. Now there's a story I'm going to write about one day soon! Thanks for the chance for another win.

    Blessed Be in Christ,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  11. It sounds like another wonderful book, Arlene! I'd love to read it!
    authorkathyeberly@gmail.com

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  12. Please include me for Baby Makes a Match, I'd love to read Arlene's newest book. Thank you!
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. Thanks, Crystle, Barb, Kathy and Merry. I appreciate the comments and the interest.

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  14. Sounds like a cute book! Please enter me.
    I'm a subscriber by email already!

    dancealert at aol dot com

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  15. sign me up for contest karen k521@msn.com

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  16. I would love to read your new book! I always love stories with marriages of convenience : ) potosrose(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. Would love to read your book! As a former Christian bookstore manager of 30 years, I sincerely miss being able to read all the books! On a fixed income now, so it makes it difficult to buy everything I would like to read! I've always enjoyed your books, Arlene! Thank you!!
    grammylulu@aol.com

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  18. You knew on your first date that you wanted to marry your husband? Wow! I knew pretty quickly I wanted to marry my husband, but not that quick! (My hubby and I have been married for 17 years! :)

    I would love to win this book! It sounds great! I am an email subscriber.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  19. Wish I could give books to everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by to read and comment. God bless!

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  20. would love to win

    aimymichelle[at]gmail[dot]com

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  21. subscriber
    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  22. I'm glad that I'm a subscriber to K Dawn's blog. Here is another interesting book I'd like to read. I wanted at least several children, but thought I wouldn't be able to. My first husband and I adopted 3 children and were divorced after 17 years of marriage. Eventually I remarried to a man with 4 children - and miracle upon miracle, I was pregnant for the first time in my life at near 40. Now, I'm mom to 8 children!!...That's more than a few! LOL

    Blessed Be in Christ,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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  23. thanks for the opportunity to read this fabulous novel :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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