Interview and Giveaway with Author Patti Leudeman Chiappa

Patti stopped by our blog to do an interview with us! At the end of the interview, be sure to read our giveaway rules and enter to win her book (A PDF of Sara's Journey)!

Welcome, Patti!

How did you get started as an author? Did any of your family or friends influence you in the art of writing?

I actually struggled in school. I could not read or write until I was 14. I  suffer from dyslexia. It was my  English teacher Mrs. Connie Esteves, my parents, and grandparents who helped me overcome this. I discovered  my passion for writing when Mrs. Esteves encouraged  me to write a short story for the school  newspaper, I did and never stopped writing. Lol!

What do you love most about writing?  

Honestly, that I can encourage other  people who might feel less then perfect, who might be struggling with a learning disability, a hardship or a dark period in life. I love that I have a platform to tell the world about God in an amazing way. I feel blessed beyond measure!

What was it like when you got your book (Sara’s Journey) published? Did you feel excited, nervous, or a mix of both? 

Oh wow, I felt thankful. I felt  like I wanted to shout for joy. I mean if God could  use someone like me to  be an example of his love on earth, how could I  feel anything less then joy? To be truthful I did feel a little nervous too, I  mean being an ambassador for Christ is a big  responsibility, I don't take it lightly.
 
I like the main character in Sara’s Journey. She suffered a lot but she chose to overcome it with the help of God. How did you develop her personality? Is she your favorite out of the others created in the book?  

My main character is based on me. I was never  in a fire, and I never had to hide from the world. I do however know the feeling of having to hide under a veil. For years I  felt that I had to hide the real me, for fear if people found out I  was learning disabled they would not accept me. Like Sara, I felt like God could not love me until I was perfect. It was while I  was actually writing Sara's Journey that I came to understand  God doesn't use perfect people to share his message, he uses the ones who accept his perfect love and have a perfect faith in him to share his message. Like Sara I learned that the only way to become whole is to be broken, and that you stand at your tallest when you are on your knees.

Are you currently working on a book? If so, would you be willing to reveal a tiny snippet from the story?

Yes, I am. For those of you who don't know I have lost in my lifetime 14 family members to cancer, my dad being one of them. I have been donating  a portion of my profit of my book to cancer research. The next book I pray will get published  is a devotional  for cancer  patients  and caregivers. In the book, I used  experiences that my family have gone through, lessons I have learned, scripture and songs. I intend to give a large portion of the profit to the Dana Farber cancer institute in Massachusetts. This was the hospital my friend was helped by when she was going through her battle.

There are many great Bible verses and quotes out there, but which of these apply to your journey in life? 

Corinthians 2;13, Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is love.

Patti, have any closing thoughts, writing tips, or advice to share with us? 

I just want the world to know how much I love God. Everything I write Is a love song to him. I also just want to share with my fellow writers never give up! If you get a million rejection letters from publishers, know that God has a plan. If God lay it upon your heart to write it, then there is someone out in the world that needs to hear the message. Never stop shining your light into the world, For there is someone that might need your light to find their way home.


Randomly Fun Questions:

What were your favorite books to read while growing up? I loved the velveteen rabbit, anything written by  Dr Seuss, Judy Bloom, and as a teenager I loved just to read the greatest book ever written MY bible.

Do you like cake or pie better? Which kind? Oh, That's a awesome question. by far pie. My favorite is apple.

If you could choose any country to visit right now, which one would it be and why? 

Japan, by far. I admire and respect and love all my brothers and sisters there, I just want to throw my arms around them and tell them God is with them. I wish I could be there to help in the recovery/rebuilding efforts. I have to ask whoever reads this blog to please reach deep into their pockets and donate. Our brothers and sisters need us!

How can our bookworms best get in contact with you? My personal email address is commackangel@yahoo.com, through  tate publishing, or on face book. I welcome all emails, comments and letters. I love hearing from my readers.
 

Patti, I want to say thank you for visiting our blog and doing this interview with us! And the giveaway for your book is going to be such fun on here.

Book Giveaway!

Synopsis:

Inside the blackened house, Sara's tears were burning her eyes... 'Why, God? Why did you do this to me?' Sara Wilson had it all. Beautiful and a graceful, talented dancer, she had many friends and a strong relationship with God. She also had the husband of her dreams. What more could a girl ask for? But on a perfect autumn night, Sara lost everything in a tragic fire, changing her life forever. With her beauty destroyed and her love in ruins, Sara became a recluse, completely shutting out not only her loved ones, but her Lord, and forgetting completely everything that had meant anything to her. That is, until a mysterious missionary wandered out of the Appalachians and into the small town of Summerville Heights. Asking the townsfolk to call him Turner, this stranger seemed to emanate peace and love from his very being, and seems to be an angel sent specifically to help Sara re-discover who she is. Can tall turner Thomas help Sara find her way back to god, her dreams, her friendships, and the woman she once was? Join author Patricia 'Sassy Angel' Chiappa on Sara's Journey to redemption.

Book Info:

Title: Sara's Journey
Author: Patti Leudeman Chiappa
Format: PDF
Pages: 260
ISBN: 1616632992
Publisher: Tate Publishing

Giveaway Rules:

Patti is giving away Sara's Journey to one bookworm! In order to enter, you must leave a comment with your e-mail address (so that we can contact you). Because this is a PDF, anyone can enter! Either from the US, Canada, or Internationally. This giveaway starts today and ends on April 2nd. A winner will be picked randomly (using random.org) and announced on April 3rd. We will contact the winner and notify them by their e-mail address. If the winner doesn't respond within a few days, we will have to pick another. Good luck! =)

God bless!
~Grace