Win a Book!

When you leave a comment on THIS post by 6 p.m. CT Sunday, September 22, 2013 you'll be entered in the DRAWING for a copy of the book mentioned below. If you mention in your comment that you’re a follower (see in the left column “Join This Site” and “Follow by Email”), I’ll add your name a second time in the drawing. You must be eighteen, have a U.S. mailing address, void where prohibited. You can read details about my book giveaways at Disclaimers.     


Xeno Oaks by Marjorie B. Hill

Our guest blogger is Marjorie B. Hill, author of Xeno Oaks: My home is in the small town of Walterboro, the low country of South Carolina. We have four wonderful children, three daughters and a son and have been blessed with seven grandchildren. I have been published in Moody Monthly, Pee Dee Magazine, Mustard Seed Ministries and several newspapers. Xeno Oaks is my first novel. When not gardening, I can be found at the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro, where my husband is a resident. I am a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Southeast.

What fun or unique things can you tell us about yourself that we don’t know?

We served as missionaries to the beautiful country of Colombia, SA, after a year of language study in San Jose, Costa Rica. I was famous for getting my Spanish words confused…like when I asked the maid to clean the spot on the wall with sopa thinking it was soap, not realizing it was soup. Tomato soup doesn't go well with a white wall.  Also, I am a Master Naturalist and have always been intrigued with the beautiful swamps and swamp life that is abundant in the low country of South Carolina. I grew up in a tiny (small is not an adequate description) southern town--maybe 500 including pets.

Please describe yourself with three words.

According to my husband who suffers from Alzheimer's, I am tall, beautiful, and brilliant. In reality I am tall, love writing and teaching, and making people smile.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

I love gardening. I can get out there and yank those weeds (frustrations) from the landscape and feel so much better as I lean back and admire my work. Also enjoy reading and speaking and teaching. Especially enjoy spending time with my family.

What novel have you recently read that impressed you that you would highly recommend to others?

The Wedding Dress by by Rachael Hauck.

I have a list of my 5 favorite novels I’ve read. Please tell us your 5 favorite novels of all time.

The Princess and the Curdie by George MacDonald; George MacDonald by C.S. Lewis; Destined for the Throne by Paul Billheimer;  Down the Long Hills by Louis L'Amour;  Brides of the West by Lori Copeland. My list continues to grow as so many wonderful new authors shine forth.

If you could have dinner with one person from today or history (except Jesus), who would it be?

Simon Peter. I love the fact that he was constantly putting his foot in his mouth, yet he was chosen and loved by our Lord. That gives me tremendous hope.

How did you become involved in writing?

I have always loved stories. My parents were storytellers as well as my grandparents. Each evening the neighborhood children would come to hear Daddy's stories. He would sit them in a row on the back of the sofa, drag up a chair so he would be eye level and weave his interesting tales. There is a wonderful mystery with words and in writing. In seeing your characters come alive and revealing themselves to you.

Where do you write? Do you have a dedicated office or a corner or nook in a room?

I have a desk with bookshelf and computer in my sitting room. But I have to admit that I keep a pad in my purse (my grandkids call it the black hole) to jot down ideas or thoughts before they zip out of reach. Also keep a pad on my nightstand.

Please tell us about Xeno Oaks.

Xeno Oaks. Xeno Love Britton is my great, great grandmother's name. I chose her name for my title. I decided she needed some special treatment bearing that name for her life. (Read more about Xeno Oaks here.)

What takeaway value do you hope your readers receive after reading this book?

God's love and forgiveness surpasses all of our problems. I suppose I want most of all for my readers to see redemption and forgiveness but also humor in our everyday lives. I have a tendency to take myself much too seriously.

Did you have to do any research for this book?

Yes. I included family stories and time related information.

How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first book?

I don't remember when I didn't write. Comments, notes, diary, etc. My first book, Xeno Oaks, was released on June 5, 2012. However it had been a work in progress for many years.

What advice would you give to writers who have been writing a few years but still haven’t interested an agent or publisher in their novel?

I know this sounds redundant but don't give up. God's timing is perfect.

What are you working on now?

A sequel to Xeno Oaks. The story of the older sister, Penny. Also I have a weekly devotional blog, The Front Porch Visit--A Southern Tradition.

Please tell our readers where they can get your book.

I have an author's page on Amazon. Also it's available on the Tate Publishing website. 

Please tell our readers where they can find you online.

Website and blog.

Any parting comment?

Thank you so much for this opportunity. It is a privilege to be interviewed by you.

Marjorie, thank you for visiting with my readers and me. One of our commenters will win a copy of Xeno Oaks in a random drawing.



Remember: leave a comment on THIS post by 6 p.m. CT Sunday, September 22, 2013 and you'll be entered in the drawing for a copy of  Xeno Oaks by Marjorie Hill. Please, please remember to leave your email address. I’ll need you email address so that should you be the winner I can get in touch with you. I’ll announce the winner in Monday’s blog.

The winner of last Monday’s blog post for a copy of A Ton of Gold by James R. Callan is Maxie. I'll email you. Thanks all for commenting. Watch for more book giveaways.

Till next time … keep on smiling.