Is there a story behind this book?
Gypsy's Game is the third book in my Solomon's Gate Series. I don't think there's a story behind this individual book, but the series as a whole has been an immense blessing to me. God opened my eyes and my understanding to a number of things as I wrote. For instance, the reality of angels in our world, and the power in the obedient use of anointing oil. I feel honored and humbled that He would care enough about me, my writing, and my readers to insert Himself into the series in this way.
What started you on your writing journey?
I like to say that I was born with a pen in my hand…and I really don't think it's that far from the truth! I've always loved to write, and have been doing so since I was just a pipsqueak, always running around with notebook in one hand and pencil in the other. I grew up and became a staff writer for a large daily newspaper, and played around with writing other things (short stories, poems, songs, etc.), while promising myself a novel "someday." God kind of woke me up one morning and reminded me that if I was going to do it, it ought to be done before I got too old to ride the train of thought! (It was almost too late already! LOL) So I got off my duff and started writing, and He has held my hand, provided inspiration, and given me words I didn't know I knew. It has been and continues to be an amazing ride, and I'm just oh-so-grateful that Jesus has the wheel!
What distracts you from writing the easiest?
The internet. No contest. It's a wonderful tool, and a tremendous distraction.
What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
I don't tend to like just "one" genre. I love romance, of course—but I like sweet romance, and I like romance with a touch of suspense and mystery. I've always enjoyed tales with a bit of a scary bite, as well—and that includes certain Stephen King and Dean Koontz books. In fact, the two books that made the most lasting impression on me are Stephen King's The Stand and Robert R. McCammon's Swan Song. They're both epic tales of a post-apocalyptic worl, and grand battles of good vs. evil.
Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote? Why?
I love them all, but I particularly enjoyed Kylie and Lea, from book two. Kylie's lack of self-esteem and her unfortunate phobia of facial disfiguration was interesting research, and it was so satisfying to "grow" her from who she was at the beginning of the book to a much stronger, more confident woman at the end. And little Lea…well, she was just a gift from God. I didn’t really plan her into the story…she just happened, and I loved her from the first moment. I think readers will too.
If you were a style of music, what style would you be?
I'd probably be the introduction of a brand new genre with a touch of country, a beat of bluegrass, and a blast of old-time rock and roll. Maybe folks would call it Blue Country Blast. :D
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I'm not the quirkiest of gals—too much fundamentalist Pentecost in my childhood. LOL It tended to make a little girl into a proper young lady before her time. But I grew up in a little farming community and ran around barefoot 99.9% of the time (still do, when I'm at home!). I remember, while working at the newspaper, I stood one day at a third-floor window and noticed that across the street, there was a mini-mountain of fill dirt that had been brought into a lot where an office building was being erected. I longed…desperately yearned to kick off my shoes and run across the street so I could walk in it and feel the cool dirt between my toes. I shared the inclination with a friend, who encouraged me to go for it…but I didn't. I'm sure at least a couple newspaper photographers would have been over there taking pictures within 60 seconds. I couldn't have that, now could I? :D
What is your favorite season of the year?
Spring! I love the new signs of life, and watching Lady Spring chase Old Man Winter into hiding.
What is a favorite memory from your childhood?
It's a tactile memory that I treasure, and it somehow makes its way into my books now and then…. Daddy always had a heavy beard. I mean, he was clean-cut, but he had to shave twice a day to accomplish that. When he came home from work, he always had the most wonderful five o-clock shadow. I'd run out to meet him, and he'd pick me up in one arm while his lunch pail dangled from the other hand. I'd wrap my skinny little arms around his neck and rub my cheek against his. I absolutely loved the scratchy feel of it…I can still feel it when I think about it. Daddy always laughed and pulled away, grinning and shaking his head. "You're going to scratch that soft skin of yours." He said it every time. But I never did…always did it again the next night, and he'd repeat the little ritual all over again. How I miss him!
Are there things you put off doing because you dread them?
Oh, yeah? Doesn't everyone? J I don't go see the doctor until I'm pretty sure it's do or die. As a writer, I tend to procrastinate when I should be starting a new book. I'm fine once I get going—in fact, I completely lose myself in that fictional world and tend to forget there's a real one around for a while. But sitting down to get those first words…that first chapter…yeah. I put it off far too long every time.
What's your favorite meal with family and friends?
You are so asking the wrong person! Not because I don't enjoy meals with family and friends, but because I love them. I confess: I love to eat. LOL I love having everyone gathered around the table and the chatter coming from so many directions that it becomes just a buzz. I love seeing familiar faces I haven't seen in a long time, and catching up over potato salad and tri-tip, or fried chicken and mashed potatoes—or plain old sandwiches and chips. The fare doesn't matter, just the family. So I guess I'd have to say my favorite "meal" with family and friends is any meal at a large gathering, like a reunion of some kind. Our family often jokes that even funerals become something of a celebration, because for many of us, they're the only time we get to see each other. But I think that's God's way of helping us through the grieving process, don't you? Just bringing together all the people who loved the departed loved one, and who love each other. No meal at any five-star restaurant could outdo that kind of meal.
Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
Again, not something I'd thought out or planned, but angels have found their way into all but one of my books so far. God used the Solomon's Gate series to open my eyes and my understanding of a number of things, most specifically angels and anointing oil.
Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you.
So many wonderful scriptures, so little space to share them! J I have two very favorite verses, and I can't share one and not the other.
Psalm 51:10, because it is my daily prayer: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Phillipians 4:8, because it leaves no doubt about the things we should allow into our minds. If we think constantly on these things…there's no room for anything dangerous, detrimental, or deadly to our spiritual man. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
Gypsy's Game releases March 16. It's the third book in the Solomon's Gate series, and a little different from the other two…but I think my readers are going to love. I certainly loved writing it!
Purchase the book at:
Delia Latham is giving away a PDF file. Winner's choice of the three Solomon's Gate books: Destiny's Dream, Kylie's Kiss, or Gypsy's Game.
The giveaway is only available to U.S. addresses. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment along with your email address. You can enter the giveaway twice--once on each spotlight post.
Untill next time. . . Sharon A Lavy
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