This week, we have Christian author, Gail Pallotta on the Diamond Mine.
She’s chatting with our very own Renee Blare about her latest
book, Barely Above Water, her writing life, fun, and fiction. She’s also giving
away a fabulous prize to one winner so read on! Oh…don’t forget to check out
how to enter the giveaway at the end of the post! Drawing’s in one week!
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| GAIL PALLOTTA |
RB: Hello, Gail…welcome to the Diamond Mine. I’m so glad you
could be here today. I hear you have a new book, Barely Above Water. Congratulations! What can you
tell us about it?
GP: Thank you, Renee, yes I do. Where should I start? The
main character has an illness the medical doctors can’t diagnose, so she’s told
they can’t help. It appears hopeless, but by divine intervention she’s led to
an alternative doctor. The story is fictitious, but it’s based on my struggle
with Chronic Lyme Disease. The divine intervention, symptoms and treatments are
real. However, the rest is made up. I only wish I were in my twenties.
The real doctors behind the story are David G. Lee, D.C.,
Ph.D., C.Ad., and Raphael d’Angelo, M.D., who’s also a holistic doctor.
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| Dr. Lee |
David Lee, D.C., Ph.D., C.Ad., runs Wellness Revolution
Clubs in Woodstock, Georgia, and Daytona Beach, Florida. To learn more about
him visit http://www.pmadirectory.us/georgia/woodstock/health-practitioner/david-lee
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| Dr. d'Angelo |
Raphael d’Angelo, M.D., and holistic doctor, runs
ParaWellness Research Program in Aurora, Colorado. To learn more about him
visit https://www.alliance-aromatherapists.org/tag/dr-dangelo/
RB: Lyme Disease? Whoa…I’m sorry to hear you’ve had to
suffer with that. It does not sound fun at all, although your book sounds
captivating. Speaking of your book, how do you keep your characters “three
dimensional?”
GP: The characters become who they are by what they think,
say and do. Their reactions often tell as much as their actions. Descriptions,
chatter and thoughts about them from other characters help to round them out.
RB: I understand what you’re saying. So, when you’re writing
and they are developing, do you have a particular “way” you write or do you
just “wing” it?
GP: I start with a rough outline, an overview of the plot
and brief character sketches. Then I write a rough draft of the book. While I’m
doing this, the plot and characters grow and change, so I keep re-writing. Sometimes
I let one of my characters journal a few pages through me. These entries don’t
go in the book, but give me an idea of what that character might do in a
particular situation.
RB: Cool! The journaling thing sounds pretty neat. I’ve
never tried that before. I may just do that someday. By the way, why did you
start writing novels? Is that all you write?
GP: I’ve written stories as long as I can remember and have
always wanted to write novels. However, I’ve spent most of my life working as
an editor or copywriter and an article writer. During the years I published
articles, I was humbled and honored when someone nominated me for Who’s Who in Writers, Editors and Poets. I appeared in the book in
1988, and again in the 1992-93 edition. To this day, I don’t know who suggested
me. In years past, I’ve written poetry on the side, sometimes getting up at
night to jot down a poem, or writing one at work during down time. I recently
self-published some of my poems in a book, Messages.
Now that my husband’s semi-retired and my daughter’s grown, I have time to
write books.
RB: What an honor…to be acknowledged. Even if you may never
know by whom. Many writers never see their dream of publishing much less
recognition in such a book. If you could name your biggest challenge as an
author, what would it be?
GP: Marketing, hands down. First of all, I’m computer inept,
and that makes it challenging to participate in some social media. Blogging
seems to have been all the rage, died down and is now making a comeback.
Facebook parties appear to be waning right now and online chats don’t seem to
work. I’ve tried a little paid advertising, and it seems to help some, but it’s
difficult to know the right place to spend my pennies. I would love to have advice
from those who market successfully.
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| EMERALD BEACH |
RB: I’m right there with you, sister. I still blog and plug
the social media outlets…true, not as handily as I used to (or as often). And my
money is limited also so it goes to very few sources of paid advertising…very few. I
personally would love to know what a “successful” marketing scheme is too!
Anyway, back to your book, tells us about your setting. Is it unique and how
did you select it?
GP: I chose Destin on Florida’s Emerald Coast because I love
it and can’t think of anywhere more romantic. Emerald water so clear you can
see through it surrounds white sand on three sides. The Gulf on one shore and
the bay on the other meet near the harbor shoreline. Known as the “World’s
Luckiest Fishing Village,” it’s a small tourist town with pristine beaches and
fun activities.
RB: I’ve never been there but it sounds like a place I may
want to take a vacation! LOL Who knows, I’ll read your book and may just
schedule a trip. Heeheee… Do you have any hobbies or things you like to do when
you aren’t working?
GP: I swim three times a week. I treasure my church and occasions
I spend with family and friends. I also enjoy making flower arrangements when I
have extra time.
RB: Is there a special quote or verse which comes to your
mind in times of need or adversity?
GP: Romans 8: 28 “And we know that in all things God works
for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his
purpose.”
Thanks for sharing with the Diamond Mine today, Gail. It’s
been a lot of fun! It’s also been an honor getting to know a bit more about
your new book, Barely Above Water. I
know anyone who reads it, including me, is going to love it! I can’t wait to
crack it open. J
____________________
STOP!!! DON’T GO!
WE HAVE AN
AWESOME GIVEWAY!
Gail’s giving away an
e-book of Barely Above Water
AND
8 oz. of Dark Truffle
Rooibos tea from Camellia Estate Tea (tea U.S. residents).
Answer this question in
the comments below to enter (leave your email please!):
As a reader, where do you go
online most often to learn about books?
(One winner will be
selected by random draw on 5/4/16 from comments with emails. Minimum of 5
comments required to validate contest.)
____________________
About the Book:
An illness comes out of nowhere and strikes Suzie Morris.
Her boyfriend dumps her. She has no living family, and her physician can’t
diagnose the malady. Suzie relies on her Christian faith as she faces the
uncertainty of the disease, and turns to a renowned alternative doctor in
Destin, Florida. She takes a job coaching a county-sponsored summer swim team.
She’s determined to turn the fun, sometimes comical, rag-tag bunch into
winners. Her handsome boss renews her belief in love, but learns of her mysterious
affliction and abruptly cuts romantic ties. Later he has regrets, but can he
overcome his fear of losing a loved one and regain Suzie’s trust?
Buy Barely Above Water on Amazon at Amazon.com/dp/B01DN2UTTS
About the Author:
Award-winning author Gail Pallotta’s a wife, Mom, swimmer
and bargain shopper who loves God, beach sunsets and getting together with
friends and family. A former regional writer of the year for American Christian
Writers Association, she won Clash of the Titles in 2010. A 2013 Grace Awards finalist,
she’s been a best-selling author on All Romance eBooks. She’s published four
books, poems, short stories, and several hundred articles. Some of her articles
appear in anthologies while two are in museums.
Web site: http://www.gailpallotta.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorsandMore
