You're invited to a wedding (or three!) with Donna Robinson

Hello, Donna. Thanks for joining us today! I've been reading your newest release Tumbleweed Weddings, which I love, and I'm excited to help you give away a copy!.

Tell the readers a little bit about yourself and your writing journey.

I’m not one of those writers who was born with a pen in her hand! I didn’t think about writing for publication until a friend of my husband mentioned that he was writing a book, which in turn interested me in writing. I thought I could just dash off a book, and it would be accepted right away. (Little did I know!) It took about 16 years before I received my first book contract.

Now I feel that the Lord has called me to write Christian fiction. He put the desire in my heart many years ago, and I’m trying to write the stories He wants me to write.

What made you decide on contemporary romance?

I write contemporary romance and historical romance, both for the Christian market. Right now, I’m concentrating my energies on writing contemporaries. I love stories set in a small town with one prominent family whom the reader gets to know. That’s the setting for Tumbleweed Weddings. I also love Christian romance. That spark of attraction between a man and a woman is one of God’s mysteries, and He’s the one who creates a Happily Ever After for them.

What do you enjoy reading?

Some authors think you should read everything out there—the classics, literary fiction, science fiction, medical thrillers, legal thrillers. I prefer Christian contemporary and historical romance books, and that’s basically all I read. I must say also, I’m thankful for my Kindle! I’ve loaded quite a few books on it, which has turned into my “To Be Read Pile.” Now if only I had more time… 

What's your favorite part of the writing process?

As one writer said, “I don’t like to write, but I enjoy having written.” Getting the book out of my head and onto the computer is not my favorite part, but that’s the only way the book will get written. Actually the thing I enjoy the most is editing my manuscript. I like to tinker with the sentences until they shine.

For Tumbleweed Weddings, how did you decide on Wyoming as the setting?

This book is a 3-in-1 collection, with three stories that were published separately by Barbour Publishing in their Heartsong Presents line. At the time, Barbour was putting all their Heartsong books into a series called “Romancing America.” They would put three books together that were set in the same state, and they covered all 50 states. Wyoming was open—no one had written a set for it, but while I was writing the first book, the editor collected three other books for Wyoming. She accepted my books as a “Wild Card” set. I really didn’t think my books would be put in a collection, but I asked the editor anyway. It took a couple years, but she finally gave me a nod, and Tumbleweed Weddings was published!

What do you hope readers take away from your books?

I want to write interesting, entertaining stories that edify Christians—books that build up, not tear down. Also, as I say on my website, I want my readers’ faith to be strengthened in the God who loves them.

What are you currently working on?

My next book is The Ballad of Steffie Mae, a contemporary Christian romance.

A West Virginia gal who moves to New York City tries to hide her uncultured family roots, especially from the sophisticated hero who has secrets of his own.

It’s slated to come out in the fall of 2014.

Thank you for having me on your blog, Amryn! I really appreciate this opportunity.

Do you have questions or comments for Donna? Comment below to be entered in a random drawing for a copy of Donna's book! Make sure you leave an email address to be notified of winning. The winner will be contacted on July 2.

Here’s a short summary of Tumbleweed Weddings:

In Tumbleweed Weddings, you’ll meet the Brandt siblings—Callie, Tonya, and Derek—who live on a sheep ranch with their parents near Fort Lob, Wyoming. That part of the country has rolling hills, a sparse population, and tumbling tumbleweeds when the wind blows. Callie Brandt thinks she’ll be single all her life until Lane Hutchins comes to town. But what secret is he hiding? Tonya Brandt wants to marry a handsome man, but who is her secret admirer? Derek Brandt doesn’t want to marry until he’s forty. That’s a problem for Cheyenne Wilkins who needs to get married right away to fulfill the stipulations in her grandmother’s will.

This is a collection of three contemporary romances under one cover, previously published separately by Barbour Publishing.

To read the first chapter, visit Donna’s website: www.DonnaRobinsonBooks.com

Donna Reimel Robinson is a member of JOY Writers, a local critique group, as well as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). As a pastor’s wife, she plays the piano for their church and teaches a Jr. High Sunday School class. In her spare time, Donna enjoys sewing and working jigsaw puzzles. She and her husband have four grown children and ten grandchildren. They live in Denver, Colorado.

To learn more about Donna and her books, visit her website (www.DonnaRobinsonBooks.com) or her Amazon page (http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00J43HJKI)