COTT Spotlight on Gail Pallotta

*guest post by COTT Sr. Editor, April W Gardner



This week, it was my privilege to spend a few extra minutes with author Gail. Gail is one of the blog alliance correspondents at Clash of the Titles.


Her husband, Rick, says she’s the only person he knows who can go in the grocery for a loaf of bread and come out with someone’s life story. That’s probably because she inherited her mother’s love of people and enjoys talking to them. Working as an editor and freelance writer, Gail published a couple hundred articles. While some of them are in anthologies, two ended up in museums. In 2004, the American Christian Writers Association named Gail a regional writer of the year. She recently published her first romance, Love Turns the Tide. When she isn’t writing she likes reading, swimming, and getting together with friends and family. Gail wants to write books of faith that show God’s love. She and Rick live in Georgia. Just a couple hours north of me, actually! We’re practically neighbors. :-)

Every COTT staff member is a professed child of God. Gail, can you tell us about your relationship with Christ?

I can’t remember when I didn’t love Jesus. My father’s father was a minister, so I grew up listening to Bible verses and references to Jesus. But my mother played a huge part in helping me establish a relationship with Christ. At bedtime she said prayers with me and told me stories from the Bible. First, she taught me “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep,” but even then I had a copy of “The Lord’s Prayer” hanging on the wall above the headboard of my bed. She taught it to me a few lines at a time. We soon started saying it instead of “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.” She also told me about the Crucifixion in her own words, explaining how much Jesus had to love me to die for me. She taught me to talk to Jesus, to say the things I was thankful for, to praise Him, and ask for things I needed. I did the same with my daughter. I’m so grateful for the many blessings Jesus has given me and that He’s always there for me. I don’t always get the answers I want to my prayers, but I get the answers I need to fulfill God’s plan for my life. Whenever I’ve needed a miracle, Jesus has supplied one. There are several hymns that touch on how I feel about my relationship with Christ. “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” and “He Leadeth Me” are two. My daughter recently gave me a CD, Elvis, An Evening Prayer. The first song on it, “His Hand in Mine,” conveys how I feel about my relationship with Christ. It’s an old gospel song written by Mossie Lister. It’s on YouTube. The URL is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulTtL_YaC-w

Beautiful testimony! A mother’s faith is essential in a child’s life, and you’re proof of that!

None of us are perfect though, so what’s the craziest thing you did as a teenager? 

Gail Pallotta

I grew up at the foothills of the mountains. At a reunion a few years ago, many of us told our beloved biology teacher how much she meant to us. She replied, “Well, I had to teach biology. There was no one else in town that could.” Teachers were scarce. We had a very old algebra teacher. He couldn’t stay awake during class. Nope. He took the roll and told us to turn to the next chapter and work the problems. Then he pushed back his seat and propped his feet on the trash can. We’d give him about ten minutes, and he was out like a light. His classroom was in the basement with a window level to the ground. In the spring as soon as he started snoring, we went out the window, got in my friend’s convertible (she had the only car) and went to the lake.


No way! That’s so funny!! How long were you gone? What is something else people would be surprised to know about you? 

At age twenty-two when I graduated from college, I packed my clothes in a medium-sized suitcase and moved to a large city with eighty dollars in my pocket. Had no car, no job, and nowhere to live. 

Wow! You can’t leave us hanging, lol! How did that work out for you?

On a slightly more serious note, what is the nearest book to where you’re sitting? 

I love to read anything, non-fiction, fiction, any genre, Christian and many secular. But the book closest to me, probably because I also write as well as read, is Essentials of English.

I’d imagine that covers grammar? Forms of writing? Sounds like a must-have for every writer! What are three things you can’t live without?   

Faith, family, fun

Three very important f’s! Makes me wonder though, when I say the word “fun,” what’s the first thing to pop into your mind?

What is the message you most want to convey to readers with your writing? God loves you. Accept His love and let the greatness of it overcome the imperfections of this world. 

That brings to mind. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." NAS (©1995)

Anything else you’d like to add? 

I was honored when asked to be part of the Clash of the Titles Staff. I love helping to promote Christian books and writers.

And we love having you!!

***
Get to know Gail better by visiting her website or her blog.

COTT Kicks Off Tournament of Champions

Guest post by Jennifer Slattery

Last week, Clash of the Titles launched their first annual Tournament of Champions with two clashes and four talented authors. In Clash one, CS Lakin, author of Someone to Blame, and Marianne Evans, author of Heart Crossing, went head-to-head in a nail-biting, literary duel. In Clash two, our very own Gail Pallotta, author of Love Turns the Tide, competed against Clare Revell, author of A Season for Miracles. All four excerpts rocked, and this was a tough call, but you, our faithful readers chose two Tournament of the Champions' finalists.

Those finalists were Marianne Evans and Gail Pallotta.

Exciting stuff, and yet, the games weren’t done. In the next round, COTT staff cast their votes, and once again, one writer rose to the top and will advance to the next round.

That author is…

Marianne Evans!

And here’s a glimpse of what a COTT champion excerpt looks like:

“Collin Edwards stood before the funeral assembly. Heat crawled up his body. He clutched the edges of the podium where he stood and cleared his throat. The gesture was in vain. His throat constricted so much it hurt. Before the altar, just to the right, rested a flag-draped casket.

He looked down, at a piece of paper upon which he had crafted the words to a eulogy…” (Read more of Excerpt B here.)

About the novel, Hearts Crossing:

Collin Edwards, a former parishioner at Woodland Church, has renounced God without apology, his faith drained away in the face of a tragic loss.

Daveny Montgomery cares deeply about her relationship with God, and the community of Woodland . Lately though, she's been in a rut, longing for something to reignite her spiritual enthusiasm.

A beautification project at Woodland seems the answer for them both. Daveny spearheads the effort and Collin assists, but only with the renovations, and only because he wants to know Daveny better. Despite his deepening feelings for her, even stepping into the common areas of the church stirs tension and anger.

Can Daveny trust in Collin’s fledgling return to faith? And can Collin ever accept the fact that while he turned his back on God, God never turned his back on him?

We’d also like to congratulate our prize-winning readers:

 Jessica R Patch! She won a $10 Amazon Gift card from Elaine Cooper.

 LoRee Peery! She won a free bookmark design from Delia Latham.

 Larry Hammersley! He won a $10 Amazon Gift card from Author Anne Patrick.

Join us this week for more fun and prizes as four more authors jump into the ring hoping not only to advance to the next round, but ultimately reign as the Clash of the Titles’ champion of champions! Remember, every vote counts! Each vote gets your name thrown into the hat for our fab-tabulous grand prize give-away comprised of fourteen novels!

Visit our Tournament of Champions page for a complete list of prizes.

***

Jennifer Slattery is the marketing manager for Clash of the Titles. She writes for Christ to the World Ministries, the Christian Pulse, and Samie Sisters and has written for numerous other publications. She also works for Tiffany Colter, the Writing Career Coach, as a professional manuscript evaluator and publicist. You can find out more about her and her writing at her devotional blog, Jennifer Slattery Lives Out Loud. You can find out more about her critique and publicity services at Words That Keep.

Gail Pallotta Interview & Book Giveaway

Author Bio: After writing articles for years Gail recently published her first Christian romance, Love Turns the Tide. This fall an excerpt from that book won the internet Clash of the Titles contest. In 2004, the American Christian Writers Association named Gail a regional writer of the year. Her husband, Rick, says she’s the only person he knows who can go in the grocery for a loaf of bread and come out with the cashier’s life story. That’s probably because she inherited her mother’s love of people and enjoys talking to them. In her spare time she likes to bargain shop with her daughter. Sometimes they try on garments so wrong for them, they laugh for fifteen minutes. When they finally find a treasure, they’re so pleased. Gail wants to write books of faith that show God’s love. She and Rick live in Georgia.

[Anne] When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

[Gail] As a youngster I made up stories. In grammar school I worked with a friend to put out a newspaper about our classmates. I recently went to a high school re-union and read articles I’d written in old copies of the newspaper there. I first seriously considered writing when I took a creative writing course in college. Even though I’d never heard of “the spin” then, when we analyzed works, I realized writing could be used for good or bad. I wanted to use it for good.

[Anne] Tell us about your latest book.

[Gail] Shattered by a failed romance and challenged by a new job, feature writer Cammie O’Shea dreads meeting Bill Collins, editor of The Sun Dial, a new newspaper in Destin, Florida. Still in pain from her heartbreaking split-up, she wants no new relationships. That’s why real estate developer Vic Deleona turns out to be her real source of angst. When she interviews him to help get the paper off its feet, he thwarts her efforts to complete his article, arranges extra meetings and attempts to court her. She resists his advances. But mysterious break-ins occur at Cammie and her friend’s condos. When Cammie and Vic launch their own investigation into the vandalism, Cammie grows fond of him. Then, she gets an opportunity to return home to her old job. She has important decisions to make in the midst of danger.

[Anne] What inspired you to write this story?

[Gail] Over the years I’ve talked to many women and men about dating relationships. I realize some people meet, fall in love and walk down the aisle. But others are hurt again and again before they find the right person. Cammie is one of those people, but God had a plan for her just as He does for each of us. I wanted to write a story of hope and faith that entertained the reader in a romantic place.

[Anne] How did you go about researching your book?

[Gail] It’s contemporary, so one might think I didn’t need to do any research for it. But, I did. I’ve visited Destin many times, so I’m very familiar with the town. But I went through a number of magazines and brochures to learn about the history of the area and the fishing industry. The sand had fascinated me for a long time, so I dug through articles to find the origin of it. I interviewed my husband about the real estate business, because he’s been in residential construction and land development. As for the crimes, I was fortunate to meet a woman undercover cop. She and I had lunch quite a few times, and she answered a lot of my questions. I also had an interview with a police detective.

[Anne] Do you have anything new in the works?

[Gail] Yes, I’m working on a teen novel and another Christian romance set in Destin.

[Anne] What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantster?

[Gail] I start with a plot, but as I write it changes, so I suppose that makes me both. I also do character sketches, but the characters grow as I write about them.

[Anne] Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

[Gail] I’d probably ask to start in Los Angeles, where a famous actress is robbed, and follow the criminal all the way to Hawaii. Of course, I’d recover the actress’s jewels and stay in Hawaii to vacation for a while.

[Anne] What type of books do you like to read when you’re not writing?

[Gail] For as long as I can remember I’ve loved to read. I rarely find a book I don’t like. Other than the Bible, my favorite books are those with rich characters and twists and turns that draw me in. Two memorable classics are An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser and Of Human Bondage by Someset Maugham. Both writers were so good they made me see the world through the eyes of their characters. After reading the books I realized we all start at different places in life, and for some the feelings of inferiority or inadequacy that this creates causes great pain. I thought it was so sad that Philip in Of Human Bondage couldn’t cling to his faith, because I knew when one believes he or she is a worthwhile person with a purpose that God is working out, it lifts up him or her. I wanted the characters in those books to find beliefs that would lead to fulfilled lives.

[Anne] Name three things you can’t live without (excluding spouses and family because that’s a given).

[Gail] Spiritual nourishment, swimming and something good to eat. Since I love to eat it’s difficult to narrow it down to one food, but some mainstays might be fried fish, pot roast, pecan pie and anything chocolate.

[Anne] Where can we find you on the web?

[Gail] My Web site is http://www.gailpallotta.com and my blog is http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com

[Anne] Where can we purchase your books?

[Gail] From the publisher’s Web site at www.awe-struck.net. Also E-certificates with codes that download to a laptop, computer or reading device are available at Eagles’ Wings in Destin, Florida, and Sweet Spirit Bookstores in East and West Cobb County in Georgia.

[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add? I always enjoy visiting your blog.

[Gail] Thank you so much for having me.

You’re welcome, Gail. Visit anytime. Folks, Gail is giving away a free download to one lucky visitor this week so be sure to leave a comment with some contact info. Good luck!!!

Interview & Book Giveaway with Gail Pallotta

Joining us today is Romance Author, Gail Pallotta. Love Turns the Tide is Gail’s first romance, but she’s been writing for as long as she can remember. Her first story appeared in a grammar school newspaper. Much later, she worked as an editor and copywriter. After she married she helped her husband with his business, but continued to write. Between the feature stories she wrote at work and the freelance pieces she placed, she published several hundred articles. After some of them were selected for anthologies and two ended up in museums friends and family nudged her to “do more.” Then, she undertook a lifelong dream and wrote a novel. In 2004, the year she published her first book, Now Is the Time, the American Christian Writers Association named her a regional writer of the year.

[Anne] Welcome, Gail. Tell us how did got started in writing? How difficult was your journey to publication?

[Gail] First let me say, “The top o’ the mornin’ to ye’ and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I’ve been making up stories for as long as I can remember. In grammar school a friend and I put out a newspaper about our classmates. But, when I was in college I became more serious about writing. In one of my classes the professor required us to submit a manuscript for publication, so I wrote a poem, which was accepted by Royal Publishing Company in Dallas, Texas. After I graduated I worked as an editor and a copywriter. I wish I could say I’m one of those writers who dashes off something one night and editors and readers just love it. But for me the road to publication has required persistence, hard work and dedication. When I married, I helped my husband with his business, but I also sent out freelance articles. Between those and the feature stories I contributed to publications where I worked, I published several hundred articles. After some of them were included in anthologies and two were placed in museums my friends and family urged me to do more with my writing. I’d always wanted to write a book, so I started Now Is the Time, a book of serious Christian fiction that was published in 2004. I’m still as fascinated by writing as ever, so the journey continues. I’m working hard to learn as much as I can about the craft and the business of publishing.

[Anne] Happy St. Patty’s Day to you too, Gail. Tell us more about Love Turns the Tide.

[Gail] Love Turns the Tide, is a Christian romance with a bit of suspense. The main character, Cammie O’Shea, faces a traumatic split-up with her fiancé and has to leave her family and friends to take a new job in Destin, Florida. Heartbroken and alone in a place where she knows no one, she needs God now more than she ever has. But for some reason she can’t explain she feels more estranged from him. A feature writer, she dreads meeting her boss, the editor of The Sun Dial newspaper. However, her real source of angst turns out to be Vic Deleona, the influential real estate developer she must write about to generate interest in the paper. While she refuses to open herself to another painful relationship he attempts to court her by making business appointments with her. Trying to get over her heartache, she continues to read her Bible and say her prayers. One day she reads Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” Afterward she ponders how living in Destin possibly could be good for her. Then, break-ins occur at her friend’s condo and her unit, making her doubt the wisdom of living in Destin even more. However, Vic comes to their rescue. He even launches his own investigation into the crimes, and Cammie sees a different side of him. But finally she gets an offer to return home to her old job. One minute she believes God is telling her to leave Destin, the next she isn’t so sure.

[Anne] Where did you come up with the concept for your story?

[Gail] I set the book in Destin, Florida, where the crystal, clear water gently laps white powdery sand not far from the dunes dotted with sea oats dancing in the breeze. I’ve visited there many times and think it’s one of the most romantic places I’ve ever seen. As for the plot, it comes from hearing about romantic trials and tribulations. A guy in high school once told me that he thought I’d grow up to write an advice column for a newspaper. While I wouldn’t want to tackle that, I think he felt that way, because I listened relentlessly to any of my peers who needed me to. I didn’t solve their problems, but after they talked about them they usually worked them out for themselves. Also, in discussions with others I learned that some men and women fall in love young and enjoy a romance that leads to the altar. However, many get hurt again and again before they find the right person. I wanted them to know they aren’t alone and there’s someone out there for them.

[Anne] Okay, say you have this great idea for a book, what do you do next? How much plotting do you do?

[Gail] I do enough to have a beginning, a middle and an end. But, after I begin writing and the characters take shape they seem to take over, participating in events I hadn’t originally considered. Then, twists and turns pop up just as they do in real life.

[Anne] Ah, another fellow panster : )  In your opinion what are the most important avenues an author should take in promoting their works?

[Gail] Whatever works. I think promotion is difficult. Even though each book has its own voice, the writer has to find a way to connect with his or her audience. Suggestions I’ve heard include speaking engagements, book signings, a Web site, a blog and a facebook page. Online interviews and group promotions also are great opportunities.

[Anne] All good suggestions, Gail.  Now what is one of the most memorable things that has happened to you since you’ve become a published author?

[Gail] It’s not easy to pick one memorable thing, because I feel humbled and honored each time someone buys one of my books or tells me the book had a special meaning for his or her life. However, one of the people who read Love Turns the Tide remarked that she not only loved the story, but she thought the Scripture used blended into the story line and added to it. I had worked hard to try to achieve that effect, so her statement meant a lot to me.

[Anne] Now for a little fun! Do you have any unusual or not so unusual hobbies you’d care to tell us about?

[Gail] While I enjoy making flower arrangements and decorating, I’d have to say my most unusual hobby is bargain shopping. I call it a hobby for two reasons. First, whenever I visit a new area I must investigate the discount mall. But secondly, since I purchase so little merchandise the excursion doesn’t necessarily fill a need. It’s a fun activity my daughter and I have enjoyed for years. We can spend an afternoon in a discount store trying on shorts, blouses, skirts, pants and dresses. Then, we end up getting maybe one item. But that gives us something to look forward to, because we have to plan another shopping trip to find something to go with it. She picks up items that she thinks I’ll like and vice versa. If we try on something that’s wrong for us we laugh for five minutes at how we look in it. When we finally purchase our perfect item for the day, we are so pleased, and we’ve had a great time!

[Anne] What snack are we likely to see sitting next to your computer when you’re typing away on your next best seller?

[Gail] Nuts, pretzels and raisins together or separately. I sound like a granola writer.

[Anne] LOL. Hey, you forgot sunflower seeds. You can’t have decent granola without sunflower seeds. Okay, now let’s pretend you’ve been stranded on an island somewhere in the pacific. What are three things you would miss the most?

[Gail] My husband and my daughter equally. Those two are a no-brainer, but the third one, ouch. I’d miss my computer, because I need it to write, but I’d miss books to read and a pool for swimming too.

[Anne] But you’ll have a whole ocean to swim in…that is unless you don’t like swimming with the sharks : ) So, what advice can you offer for any aspiring authors out there?

[Gail] Be persistent and continue to learn about writing and the industry. Don’t get discouraged by rejections, but keep listening to the voice within and examining things that never change, such as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, storms, human nature and the presence of good and evil. Look for a way to write about one of these truths that makes people see it for the first time, understand it better or find it more meaningful. Keep writing and sending out manuscripts.

[Anne] Great advice! Where can we purchase your books? And do you have a website we can visit?

[Gail] Now Is the Time can be ordered from any book store and Amazon. The ISBN number is 1-4137-0686-X. Love Turns the Tide is available from Awe-Struck E-Books at www.awe-struck.net. I’d love to have folks visit my Web site at http://www.gailpallotta.com and my blog at http://www.gailpallotta.blogspot.com.

[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add?

[Gail] Yes, I have enjoyed being a part of March Madness. Thank you so much for having me.

[Anne] I’ve enjoyed having you, Gail. Here is the video for Love Turns the Tide. Gail will be giving away a copy of her book to one lucky commenter. The drawing will take place on Sunday. So we want to hear from you.

This Week’s March Madness Winners Are…

*Drum roll* booklover 0226 has won a copy of Destiny Booze’s book, Predetermined Endings & Melissa D has won a copy of my book, Every Skull Tells a Story. Congratulations ladies!! Isn’t this fun? I just love giving away prizes.

I received a couple of surprises lately too. Suspense by Anne has been given another Sunshine Award by Christine Young. And Susan Whitfield has given me the Lofty Blog Award for reaching out to other authors. Thank you, Christine & Susan!

We have a busy week coming up on Suspense by Anne. Joining us Monday is Mystery and Suspense author Rhonda Gibb Hinrichsen. Then on Wednesday, St. Patrick’s Day, is Romance author, Gail Pallotta. Gail will be giving away a copy of her latest book, Love Turns the Tide.

Now, for all of you who are just now joining in the fun of March Madness, it’s really very simple. Each week there is a giveaway, and all you have to do is leave your email address or some way I can get in touch with you. The drawings take place on Sunday afternoon. Then at the end of the month, everyone who posted throughout the month is eligible for my grand prize drawing. There is also Scavenger Hunt going on. Details for it and the grand prize drawing can be found here. Also, if you are a follower of my blog or become one, please mention it in your comment and you’ll get another entry.

Have a great week everyone & Good Luck!!!