Fab Cara! Fab Giveaway!
Hey, guys! I'm back from a week in Savannah and Tybee Island, Georgia. I'm just as tan as ever and ready to get back to blogging. Today we're welcoming my friend and fellow author, Cara Putman. We're also giving away a copy of her new historical Christian fiction release, Stars in the Night. AND Cara has a great contest going on of her own that you'll want to check out as well. Keep reading for info on both giveaways.
Cara and I met through American Christian Fiction Writers. Cara held a leadership with the organization and was working her tail off at the yearly conference, and I was probably eating M&Ms and slurping Starbucks while on my way to a class. And she lets me hang out with her anyway. I recently got to read Stars in the Night and asked Cara to stop by.
J: So tell us where the idea for Stars in the Night came from. It's a great concept.
C: I was working on the last book for my second World War II series for a Heartsong Presents and beginning to think about where I might want to set a future series. My husband, who is as big a World War II fan as I am (if not more) and I were brainstorming one night. Since I'd done two series set in the Midwest, I kind of wanted to branch out, and I've long had a love of classic movies. As Eric and I were talking, we hit on the idea of Hollywood during WWII.
There were so many different roles that the stars played during the war. Canteens. USO tours. Active service. 4-Fed. The plot options and historical details seemed endless. Then as I researched I stumbled on the original Hollywood Victory Caravan. My imagination kicked into overdrive. What if I created a second Victory Caravan? What if a killer followed someone on to the train? What if people died and you were trapped on the train with a killer? And what if romance blossomed in the midst of the suspense?
Then I got a call from the woman who became my editor at Summerside. She wondered if I might be interested in writing historical romantic suspense for them. And as God works, one of the settings they were interested in was Hollywood. It was perfect timing and a great fit.
J: I loved the historical background in this book. I'd never even heard of the Victory Caravan until I read your book. So tell us what the book is about.
C: Stars in the Night is set in Hollywood in 1942. When attorney Audra Schaeffer's sister disappears, Audra flies to Hollywood to find her, but instead must identify her body. Determined to bring her killer to justice, Audra takes a job with the second Hollywood Victory Caravan. Together with Robert Garfield and other stars, she crisscrosses the southern United States in a campaign to sell war bonds. When two other women are found dead on the train, Audra knows the deaths are tied to that of her sister. Could the killer be the man with whom she's falling in love?
J: Isn't that cover gorgeous? I also love the title. What does it mean to you?
C: It has a combination of meanings to me. The first is pretty obvious: the stars of Hollywood living through a dark moment. But it also symbolizes to me the ways God's presence and grace shine like stars in our darkest moments.
J: The book was so well researched. Just flawless. What did you learn while researching?
C: So much! I learned that Ford's Theater was basically abandoned for storage during the war. I learned about how very much the studios controlled their stars' lives. It was actually common for studios to pair stars or wanna-bes and make them get married–often with disastrous, long-term results. I learned about how very quickly the stars jumped in to help the war effort after Pearl Harbor–and how affected the men were if they were 4-Fed and couldn't fight. So many details. And so many I didn't get to use in the book.
J: As an old movie fan, I loved the classic Hollywood setting. My favorite old movie is probably Charade starring Audrey Hepburn. What's your favorite?
C: My favorite would have to be the Thin Man and the following series, though it's really hard to narrow it down. I hope to write the sequel which will be Victoria's story and take place on the set of a Thin Man type of movie. But you have to love the rapport between William Powell and Myrna Loy. Priceless!
J: You're starring in an old movie. What other stars are in it with you?
C: Oh, great question! I would want to star with Jimmy Stewart and Claudette Colbert or Katherine Hepburn.
J: I loved the dialogue of the time period in the book. You did such an awesome job with that. Don't you wish the world could get back to the days of gee whiz and Jumping Jehoshaphat? What was your favorite period detail in the book?
C: Hmmm, throwing in some of the lingo. But also the glamour. Who doesn't have a secret wish they could have starred on the silver screen during it's hey-day? The idea of slipping onto the stage during a USO type show in a gorgeous Carol Lombard or Ginger Rogers style dress? Divine!
J: Do you have a favorite scene you could tell us about?
My favorite scene is probably one that a friend suggested I add. It's an intimate and touching scene between Audra and Robert when the sun rises while they are on the train during the fictional second Hollywood Victory Caravan (the first one was real!). Audra realizes it's the dawning of the day her sister will be buried and she couldn't make herself go home. Robert comforts her and God touches her. I love it!
J: What is the last book you read?
C: I'm currently reading Bishop by Stephen James. Gripping already. And the book before that was Back on Murder by Mark Bertrand. Brilliant detective story.
J: Favorite story in the Bible?
C : Esther. Did you expect me to say anything else? The idea of the girl who becomes queen, but the story doesn't end there. That's really only the beginning. She gets to choose whether or not to let God work through her–and as Mordecai so aptly tells her–if she refuses, help will come from another avenue.
J: What's the book you wish you had written?
C: Gosh, Jenny, these aren't easy questions. In all honesty, I wish I could write like you did in Just Between Me and You. Your ability to have me in stitches and then have me sobbing are amazing. Can't wait for your next adult novel.
J: (Note to readers: I did not pay Cara Putman cash to say that. I might've set up an off-shore account for her in Switzerland, but no American dollars were involved.) And thank you, Cara. That's really sweet. And I can add “full of it” to the things I know about you now.
Okay, come back this Friday for part two of my interview with the fabulous Cara Putman. In the meantime, you can check out her website where you'll find details about her AWESOME classic Hollywood giveaway. Check it out HERE.
Also I'm giving away a copy of Stars in the Night. To be in the running, just leave a comment to this post and answer the question: You're starring in an old movie. Which one and what character are you? (Note to those who have not gotten right with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not watch old movies, you may pick one from 1985 and earlier. Nothing newer than '85.) You have until Thursday night, 8 pm, cst. Contest only open to US residents. (Sorry international friends!) Winner announced on Friday's blog.
Let's hear your answers!
