Author Spotlight - Q&A with June Foster

STEPH: I don't know much about Hometown Fourth of July. What's it about?

JUNE: Max Tate meets Lynn Marshall at the annual Fourth of July celebration in Ft. Freedom, Washington. As an adult, he's always wanted to find his birthmother, a maid at the Tate household, who gave him up for adoption to the wealthy lawyer and his wife when he was four. Since Lynn is a research analyst for the state senate, she could help him with a computer search. Lynn grew up as a middle child of a large family, never quite feeling like she belonged. Now someone needs her. As she helps Max, he shares his faith with her, and she gives her life to God. When she locates a likely person who could be Max's mother, they make a trip on the ferry to Cascade Island only to find Max missed meeting his mother by two weeks. Now she's dead and he'll never find his roots. Max's life looks bleak when he turns his back on the woman he loves and his God. Can Max find his identity, regaining his relationship with Lynn and his Lord setting him free to celebrate another Fourth?


STEPH: How long did it take you to write the book?

JUNE: It generally takes me about four months to write a book. That includes lots of edits. I have a wonderful critique group I work with, and I do a copious amount of self-editing. Then it seems like I always find more to edit.

STEPH: How much research did you have to do?

JUNE: Not a lot with this book. It is set in the real life town of Steilacoom, Washington. My husband and I have been to the wonderful Fourth of July celebration several times in that city sponsored by the local Chamber of commerce. The opening scene is based on the incredible parade. Since the story is loosely based on the adoption situation of my husband's older brother, I did a small amount of research on his life and how he came to be with the Foster family.

STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story within?

JUNE: Max and Lynn are looking toward fireworks in the sky with a church in the background. The fireworks represent how the couple met as well as an important story element at the end of the book. The church reflects how God brings salvation and healing in their lives.

STEPH: Lynn is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weakness?

JUNE: Lynn is a middle child who never quite finds her place in her large family. She wants to steer clear of the company of her sister and older brothers and their families because they'll probably make her do all the work at the gatherings. She doesn't believe that God would love her enough to want a relationship with her. One of her strengths is her computer skills with which she assists Max in finding his mother. She gives unselfishly to Max not expecting anything back.

STEPH: What does Max find appealing about her?

JUNE: Of course he likes her curvaceous body and long strawberry blond hair. But more than her looks, he admires how she always seems calm and in control - so different than his fiery nature.

STEPH: What is the theme of the novel?

JUNE: A person's identity is not found in his possessions, his family, or his profession. These things do not define a person. Who we are lies in who God says we are - His children.

STEPH: As a writer, where do you draw inspiration from?

JUNE: I know a lot of writers might say this, but I truly believe God places stories in my heart and mind. I reach for the truth I find in the Bible to create my stories.

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

JUNE: Yes, of course. Couldn't do without one. I have a Kindle - the cheapest one Amazon sells. (smile)

STEPH: Fun question: What are your plans for summer?

JUNE: Yes, this one dates me, but I'm going to the wedding of my oldest granddaughter in El Paso, Texas. I'm so proud of her. She just graduated from UTEP with a degree in geology.

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Here's the link for the trailer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS0Gx4NBI88&feature=email

Find June at: http://junefoster.blogspot.com