Author Spotlight - Q&A with Stephenia McGee

STEPH: I don't know much about "A Legacy of Lies." What's it about?

STEPHENIA: A life built on a legacy – A legacy built on lies.

When Sarah Sanders finally accepts her boyfriend’s invitation to visit his parents’ ranch in Montana, she finds herself drawn to a mysterious cowboy that infuriates as much as fascinates her.

Ranch hand Jim Anderson has suffered from night terrors for over a year. But despite this secret struggle, his life at the ranch had been a welcomed escape from his past. Until those terrifying dark shadows start coming for him in the middle of the afternoon. When he is called back to the life he desperately tried to flee, only the quiet strength of the beautiful woman willing to walk the path with him keeps him hanging onto hope.

Brought together by an unseen hand, Sarah and Jim must travel across the country to face the man who nearly drove Jim to the brink. Forced to question everything they believe, they must find the strength to unravel Jim’s long history of lies.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

STEPHENIA: That’s a tough one. I worked on this book on and off for about six years. This was my very first manuscript, although the published version is a good bit different from the original. As I started writing, taking classes and going to conferences, I learned a lot. What I learned I applied to my story. It grew along with me.

STEPH: What was the inspiration behind the story?

STEPHENIA: My husband and I were killing time on the two hour drive from our college to his parent’s house. We were talking about how I’d always loved to write and throwing around story ideas. We actually started with a man in hospital room and the preacher who comes to hear his final confession. That prologue no longer exists, but the entire story stems from his confession.

STEPH: Did you have to do a lot of research for the novel? What kind?



STEPHENIA: Most of the research I needed for this book I had already done in real life. My hero uses natural horsemanship, and it is something I have studied, practiced and taught for some time now. The other things, such as information for the ranch, average temperatures, and the names of local landmarks, I found on the internet. Miles City and the Tongue River are real places in Montana.

STEPH: Sarah is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weaknesses?

STEPHENIA: In a way, Sarah’s strength is also her weakness. She has become so self-sufficient that she has walled herself in, afraid of opening up to anyone or letting someone help her. But Sarah also has a very strong faith in God, and it this faith that pushes her to take risks.

STEPH: What does the hero, Jim, find appealing about her?

STEPHENIA: Jim is drawn to Sarah’s quite strength, honesty, and spunk. He’s also rather taken with her emerald eyes and her love for horses.

STEPH: What do you want readers to take with them after reading the novel?

STEPHENIA: Life is full of tragedy. Yet in the end, woven like a golden thread, God quietly sews it all into a beautiful tapestry. I hope the reader will finish the last line and put the book away feeling that no matter how deeply they’ve been hurt, there is always hope. There is always a chance for healing.

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

STEPHENIA: I have a Kindle and I love it!

STEPH: What's your writing space like?

STEPHENIA: Well, I am currently sitting here typing for the very first time in my own office. My husband turned one of the bedrooms into an office and studio (I’m also a painter) for me. Usually, I’m sitting at the kitchen table, in the small storage room (that was just big enough for my desk!) or anywhere in the house that that was actually quiet. He wanted me to have my own space now that I’m a “professional writer” and all. He’s a very sweet man!

STEPH: Do you have any Easter traditions you'd like to share?

STEPHENIA: Easter for us is about the resurrection. We want to teach our sons about Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us. They are still a little young, but they do know that Easter celebrates Jesus saving us, just like Christmas celebrates His birthday. Every year we have a big egg hunt with the family. The kids all find their eggs, and then the adults get to search for the prize eggs my father-in-law hides. They usually have change or small bills, with the golden egg holding the big prize of $20. It’s loads of fun watching that many adults scramble around after eggs!

*******
"A Legacy of Lies is a compelling read to the very end! The chemistry between the characters is electrifying. I praise Stephenia McGee in her ability to draw you in and keep you wanting more!"

Jezika Stevens -- Reader

"An absolute page-turner. A Legacy of Lies is a book you won't want to put down. The reader is shown how we are all on a path chosen for us as each characters life intersects with the other. In her debut, Stephenia H. McGee truly delivers a heart-felt story of spiritual turmoil and redemption."

Jessica Lewis -- Reader

"A Legacy of Lies is a heart-warming tale of a man's search for forgiveness. A blend of Western Romance and Big City Intrigue, Stephenia H. McGee takes the parable of the prodigal son and creates a modern twist readers won't see coming until the final page."

Jennifer Lindsay, Editor and Writer

And here are some links to the book online:

Desert Breeze
http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-273/A-Legacy-of-Lies/Detail.bok
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/A-Legacy-of-Lies-ebook/dp/B007K1LS58/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332042156&sr=8-1
Barns and Noble
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-legacy-of-lies-stephenia-mcgee/1107713261?ean=2940014338950&itm=1&usri=stephenia+mcgee
All Romance eBooks
http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-alegacyoflies-751693-149.html