Monday, September 6, 2010

Lorna Seilstad's "Making Waves"


We're happy to have Lorna Seilstad with us today talking about her book, Making Waves. To learn more about Lorna and her book, read on!

1) How did this story come to you?
I’ve lived in Iowa my whole life and Lake Manawa is about a ten minute drive from my house. Since my dad lived there as a child, I’d heard stories about the resort’s heyday, but I had no idea just what a fascinating place it was until I began to research it. After I did, I had to write a story set there. I wanted to bring the area back to life—at least on paper.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
At the 2008 ACFW conference, I presented this book to Andrea Doering. I completely forgot my pitch and just handed her my one sheet. Then, I sat there while she read two chapters. Thank goodness, she laughed in the right places! I knew I was in trouble if she didn’t.

After she was done, she complimented my fresh voice and asked me to send of full copy to her. Less than a month after I submitted the manuscript, I received an e-mail asking for a couple more ideas to make this into a possible series. A month later, Revell offered me a contract.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1. I’m good at pinball. This really surprised my husband when we were dating.
2. I’ve never sailed, although I’d love to. I read “Sailing for Dummies” when writing Making Waves. I also had help from a sailing writing friend to make sure I got the information correct.
3. I occasionally serve as a wedding coordinator. I guess romance is in my blood

3) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
There are two more books in the Lake Manawa Summers series. The next book is called A Great Catch and occurs five years later at the lake. I’m busy working on book three which will be yet another five years later and will feature the resort’s new roller coaster.

4) Parting comments?
Thank you for having me today. It’s been fun.

5) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love connecting with and hearing from readers. I can be found at:
http://www.lornaseilstad.com/
http://www.inkspirationalmessages.com/ (10-writer blog)
On Twitter and on Facebook

22 comments:

  1. I like how she is taking her past along with her dad's and writing this book centered around the
    area in Iowa.
    Thanks, Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'd love to read it! Please enter me!

    sarahsantanablogs@gmail.com

    Thanks!

    Sarah

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  3. please enter me:) rmjagears AT gmail DOT com

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  4. Sounds like a fun read! I've added it to my list to check out for my book club. Thanks for doing the interview.

    Brandi
    vi2005@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have never heard of this hotel, but it reminds me of the White Sands Hotel from the Anne of Green Gables series. I would love to read about this one! potosrose(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  6. One of my sister lived in Iowa and some of her family still live there. I love books that go back in time, this book sounds delightful. Please include me!

    alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I've been looking forward to this book's release.

    pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I am a subscriber thanks

    Love the cover.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Sounds like a good book.

    ~~Angelac@mchsi.com~~

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds great! Please enter me in the giveaway!

    writer_weaver at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I've enjoyed Lorna's appearances around the web. She seems so encouraging and her novel sounds great.

    julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'd love to read this book!

    aikychien at yahoo dot com

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  13. love to read it

    aimymichelle(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I've read a little about Lorna's research for Lake Manawa, it sounds like a great setting for a fun book. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks!
    I'm a subscriber.
    worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Those resorts are almost a thing of the past sadly. Rarely do families spend that kind of time together anymore.

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    estrella8888 at roadrunner dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just looking at the cover makes me want to read it! Looks so fun :)

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  17. I subscribe; would love to read this book!!
    Please enter me. Thanks!!!
    jackie.smithATdishmailDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great interview, thanks so much! Would love to be entered in the giveaway.
    Blessings,
    Karen
    klange61(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I would love to win this book.

    Lmaria23@hotmail.com

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  20. I love the way Lorna draws from a local area and brings back a popular resort. With a cover like that, who can resist reading it?! Thank you for the interview and chance to win a copy.

    cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi all, I'm honored you stopped by and wish you all luck.

    I forgot to mention that I'm giving away a Making Waves Gift Basket filled with goodies associated with the book and a signed copy in a drawing to one person who has signed up for my newsletter. You can sign up on my website at www.lornaseilstad.com.

    ReplyDelete

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