Saturday, January 8, 2011

ANN HAYWOOD LEAL'S A FINDERS-KEEPERS PLACE: AUTHOR INTERVIEW, REVIEW, AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
A FINDERS-KEEPERS PLACE
BY ANN HAYWOOD LEAL

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Esther Page has been trying to keep things together for as long as she can remember. Valley—that’s her mama—has always gotten funny notions like gardening indoors or living as the Amish do, without any electricity. And Esther has always cleaned up after those notions and watched our for her little sister, Ruth.

But Valley’s notions are getting wilder, and too many people are asking questions about what’s going on at home. It seems to Esther that the only person who can help is Ezekiel—the father she can barely remember.

Ezekiel was a preacher, that much is certain, so Esther takes Ruth on a search through all the churches in town. Somebody, somewhere, must know about Ezekiel . . . You can find out more by reading an excerpt of A FINDERS-KEEPERS PLACE HERE.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann Haywood Leal is an elementary school teacher and the author ofAlso Known As Harper. She has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and enjoys spending time with her husband, Andy, and daughters, Jessica and Holly. She lives and writes in Waterford, Connecticut.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW:
1. Thank you for agreeing to do an interview. Is there any personal information or websites you would like to share with my readers before we get started with some questions?

My website is  http://www.annhaywoodleal.com.  I also have a blog:  http://www.annhaywoodleal.blogspot.com.

2.  What is the next or current book/project you are working on?

I am having a lot of fun with my work-in-progress.  It has an unusual setting and my main character is a twelve and a half year old boy, named Freeman Henry Dufay.  He’s caught in a situation where his life is spinning out of control.

3. What have you just finished reading?

I always have about three or four books going at the same time!  I recently finished THREE RIVERS RISING by Jame Richards, ROCKY ROAD by Rose Kent, NEVERLAND by Douglas Clegg, and ROOM by Emma Donoghue.  I just began I REMEMBER NOTHING AND OTHER REFLECTIONS by Nora Ephron. 

4. What books would you say have made the biggest impression on you, especially starting out?

I would have to say FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER by E.L. Konigsburg, THE WOLVES OF WILLOUGHBY CHASE by Joan Aiken, and anything by Roald Dahl and Judy Blume.  Judy Blume is edgy and not afraid to tell the truth with her writing.  I really feel that she gives kids what they need and want to hear. 

Two books that have really helped me as a writer are ON WRITING by Stephen King, and BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott.  Both books have such solid, practical, and usable advice.

5. What gets you started on a new book? A character or story idea or….?

I am most often inspired by settings.  I love anything that is old or broken-down.  It gets me wondering about the story behind it—who has lived there, and what might have happened there?  If I see an interesting place, I like to stop and take pictures of it—my way of saving the setting for later!  There is a place I go by sometimes on my bicycle, and I think I want to use it in my current work-in-progress. It’s set back from the road a little, so to really get a good picture, I’m going to have to ride back there.  The only thing is, I can’t tell if it’s abandoned, or if someone actually still lives there.  It would be just my luck to have someone peering out the window at me right as I am aiming my camera!

6. What is something about you that you would want people to know about you that we probably don’t know?

Let’s see…I wish I had some deep, dark secret that I could reveal here!  J
Oh, I guess I do have something—less about me, and more about a relative of mine.  Just before my Aunt Lila died, she gave my cousin, Lynn, a box tied up with an old piece of twine.  Lynn moved to another state shortly after that and she stashed the box in a closet.  

She ran across the box again, right after ALSO KNOWN AS HARPER came out.  After she went through the box, she called me and said, “I found something, and I think it belongs to you.”

My brother and sister-in-law had a party for me after a bookstore signing, and my cousin handed me the box.  It was full of our great-grandmother’s stories! 

She had been a writer, and nobody knew it.  The stories seemed to have come out of nowhere.  Anyone who might have known anything about them had passed away.

My great-grandmother had lived on a dairy farm, and I know she must have started her day long before the sun came up.  I pictured her late at night, after her family was asleep, writing away! She must have had an incredible imagination, too, because I don’t think she ventured far from that farm, but her stories are full of adventure and intrigue!  I wish so much that I could sit down with her and talk to her about writing.     

7. What is your best advice to anyone, including young people, who want to be writers?

Write every day and set aside a certain time of day to write.  Make a goal for yourself, even if it’s just a half hour a day.  Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do it (including yourself!).

8. What is something you would like to share with us about writing your favorite genre in general?

My mom used to take my brother and me to the public library every Wednesday.  I can still remember exactly where the Nancy Drew books were located.  (I could probably still walk straight to them with my eyes closed!)  I loved that feeling I got when I was squatting in front of the shelves and I hadn’t chosen anything yet.  I want to write books that will make a kid feel as if that book in front of them on the shelf was written just for them.

Thank you, Ann. I know my readers will find this just as interesting as I did!

PRAISE FOR A FINDERS-KEEPERS PLACE:
“Mature beyond her years, able to make the best of a bad situation and blessed with impressive survivor skills, Esther proves an admirable heroine in this poignant story.” --Kirkus Reviews

“Leal excels in pithy characterization, mainly through spot-on dialogue, yielding sympathetic characters, a gripping plot, and no shortage of heartbreaking moments.” --Publishers Weekly

“The author of Also Known as Harper (2009), Leal creates strong, individual characters and a convincing narrative of a family in disarray.” --Booklist
 
MY REVIEW/THOUGHTS:
It is easy to see that Ann Haywood Leal knows children. As a former elementary teacher myself, I was drawn to Ann's first book, ALSO KNOWN AS HARPER by the characters and A FINDERS-KEEPERS PLACE is no different. The more you learn about Esther and the life she leads, the more you feel for her. Her trying to care for EVERYONE at such a young age, is not fantasy, unfortunately, in this day and age. I think Leal captured the essence of this young girl and the pain, as well as reason for her pain, in this book. I would highly recommend this to readers and especially to intermediate/young adults as well.

GIVEAWAY
 THANKS TO ANN, I HAVE ONE
AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF THIS
WONDERFUL BOOK TO GIVE AWAY!

 
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!

HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU READ ABOUT ANN HAYWOOD LEAL AND THIS BOOK THAT YOU FOUND INTERESTING

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK AND LEAVE A LINK THAT I CAN FOLLOW

+1 MORE ENTRY: GO TO ANN HAYWOOD LEAL'S WEBSITE HERE AND TELL ABOUT SOMETHING INTERESTING YOU FIND THERE.THERE IS SO MUCH THAT IS FUN TO READ!

+1 (or +?) MORE ENTRIES: COMMENT IF YOU ENTERED ANY OF THE OTHER CURRENT GIVEAWAYS. IF YOU DID, PLEASE COMMENT SEPARATELY ON EACH ONE YOU HAVE ENTERED

GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, JANUARY 19!
GOOD LUCK! 

127 comments:

holdenj said...

I enjoyed Ann's story of her great-grandma's box and the stories inside.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

holdenj said...

I entered the V giveaway.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

Janelle said...

I really like Anne's character, Esther: she's strong in the face of chaos that's her family!
Thanks for a chance to win this wonderful giveaway!
Best wishes,
Chanticlear1atgmaildotcom

Janelle said...

Anne collects some interesting things according to her website! Among them: old Dick & Jane readers, & 50's dishes!
Thanks for a chance to win this wonderful giveaway!
Best wishes,
Chanticlear1atgmaildotcom

Janelle said...

I entered the Oogie Audio Book Giveaway!
Thanks for a chance to win this wonderful giveaway!
Best wishes,
Chanticlear1atgmaildotcom

Angie said...

I found it interesting that Ann starts most often with a letting rather than a storyline or character.

aksimmoatclearwiredotnet

Angie said...

I see by reading her blog we have many favorites in common. Her favorite books (Are you there God..., and Charlottes Web) were also some of my favorites growing up.

aksimmoatclearwiredotnet

rhapsodyinbooks said...

I loved seeing she was the same way about Nancy Drew as I was!

nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

grannyvon said...

It is funny that a writer also is a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. The book sounds intresting. The girl takes responsibility for the family instead of the mother. Happens too often. ybutler@oppcatv.com

grannyvon said...

It said on the authors website that the book is for the younger reader. I am an adult and it sounds like something I would like to read. ybutler@oppcatv.com

missreneer said...

I love how she loves old or broken-down things. Most people don't see the beauty or history in these things and they have always intrigued me as well. Thanks for the great giveaway :)

mrsjohnson1982 at yahoo dot com

petite said...

What a great story about Ann's great-grandmother. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

Her wonderful 50's collection is interesting and appealing. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered the V. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Light in the Attic. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Beach house. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Rachael Ray. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered Chaters bar-b-q. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

petite said...

I entered The Brave. rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I am captivated with this story greatly. Esther sounds amazing. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I enjoyed her website and learning about her favorite books. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Rune Warriors. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Pamela Keener said...

What a timely and interesting premise. I'd love to read this and pass it on to my neice who would love it too.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Unknown said...

I like the stories in Ann's grandmother's box. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com

Pamela Keener said...

I tweeted this giveaway.
http://twitter.com/pam4290/status/23931305783730176
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "The Brave" audiobook giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I entered "Express Lane Meals" giveaway.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

One of Ann Haywood's fave movie is National Lampoon Vacation. That brought a smile to my face just remembering the movie.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/23945029424775168

(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

"The more you learn about Esther and the life she leads, the more you feel for her. Her trying to care for EVERYONE at such a young age, is not fantasy, unfortunately, in this day and age. I think Leal captured the essence of this young girl and the pain, as well as reason for her pain, in this book. " This comment more than anything else told me that I'd have to read this book whether I won a copy here or not.
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

hendy said...

This looks like a fun, young novel-I think it's crazy that Ann works on so many novels at one time.
hmhenderson AT yahoo DOT com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I loved her tale about writing to Judy Blume and getting her first writing advice from her. I bet she treasured that letter forever.

(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I ENTERED THE OOGY, THE AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY

(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I ENTERED THE V:THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES DVD SET GIVEAWAY
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I ENTERED THE CAT OF THE CENTURY GIVEAWAY
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I ENTERED THE LITTLE PINK SLIPS & THE BEACH HOUSE GIVEAWAY
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I ENTERED THE RUNE WARRIORS: SWORD OF DOOM GIVEAWAY
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I ENTERED THE THE BRAVE AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I ENTERED THE A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC GIVEAWAY
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I ENTERED THE CHEATER BBQ GIVEAWAY
(\___/)
(='.'=)
(")_(")

alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com

traveler said...

I entered The Brave. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Express Lane Meals. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Light in the Attic. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Cheater BBQ. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Beach House. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Ghost moon. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered the V. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Cat of the Century. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

traveler said...

I entered Maybe this time. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

misskallie2000 said...

I thibk is is awesome that Ann found out her grandmother wrote stories. This is family history she did not know about.
I love the story line of this book and would love to read A Finders-Keepers Place.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Tweeted giveaway
http://twitter.com/misskallie2000/status/24306353983987712

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

I love the way Ann said she was going to put her rear over her seat (hovering) and start writing..lol She said her 1st graders do that and they have no fear when they write their stories.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Entered Cat of the Century giveaway

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Entered Terri Delong Cedar Key giveaway

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

misskallie2000 said...

Entered Chelsea Cain Trilogy giveaway

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Meredith said...

I like that Ann used to read Nancy Drew stories. I did too, way back when, and remember going to our teeny tiny library in the teeny, tiny town we lived in.

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Meredith said...

I like Ann's story on her website about how she's always been writing and once got a letter from Judy Blume.

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Meredith said...

Entered Ghost Moon giveaway.

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Meredith said...

Entered The Starter Wife giveaway.

meredithfl at gmail dot com

Jeff said...

I'l like to win this won for my wife and MIL. I know they'll love it! jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

http://twitter.com/#!/jeff72768/status/25515772046475264

jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=121695831234756&id=100000609680005

jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/Jeff72768/review/49488611/

jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC GIVEAWAY
Jeff72768@yahoo.com

jeff said...

GHOST MOON GIVEAWAY
Jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

THE STARTER WIFE GIVEAWAY
Jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

RUNE WARRIORS: SWORD OF DOOM GIVEAWAY
Jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

LITTLE PINK SLIPS & THE BEACH HOUSE GIVEAWAY
Jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

EXPRESS LANE MEALS GIVEAWAY
Jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

CAT OF THE CENTURY GIVEAWAY
Jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

TERRI DULONG 2 BOOK SET BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY
Jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

V:THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES DVD
Jeff72768@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

OOGY, THE AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY
jeff72768@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

I found the story of her Grandmother and the writings no one knew about. That must have felt like a lost teasure and a sign she was doing the right thing writing.

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://twitter.com/#!/Grandmamaof10/status/25520450528346112

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=100462610031393&id=100001087052807

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/shundelt45/review/49489077/

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

I found out her all time favorite read is one of mine too: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee

shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC GIVEAWAY
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

GHOST MOON GIVEAWAY
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

THE STARTER WIFE GIVEAWAY
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

EXPRESS LANE MEALS GIVEAWAY
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

RUNE WARRIORS: SWORD OF DOOM GIVEAWAY
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

LITTLE PINK SLIPS & THE BEACH HOUSE GIVEAWAY
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

CAT OF THE CENTURY GIVEAWAY
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

TERRI DULONG 2 BOOK SET BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

V:THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES DVD
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

OOGY, THE AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY
shundelt@yahoo.com

Shirley said...

+5swag shundelt@yahoo.com

Jeff said...

I just got done reading her #2 favorite book again myself:THE GRAPES OF WRATH by John Steinbeck

jeff72768@yahoo.com

Tina said...

I haven't stopped to read the excerpt yet, so the book still seems a bit of a mysetry to me. I loved the story about her Grandma though. christina101092@yahoo.com

Tina said...

http://twitter.com/#!/Christina101092/status/25523698639314945

christina101092@yahoo.com

Tina said...

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=125554627510237&id=100001144971475

christina101092@yahoo.com

Tina said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/christina101092/review/49489445/

christina101092@yahoo.com

Tina said...

ON her about me page she lists favorite books and most of them I think would make most people lists too. I loved reading Judy Blume books when i was growing up. and ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET is one of the best and most talked about too.

christina101092@yahoo.com

Tina said...

A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC GIVEAWAY
Christina101092@yahoo.com

Tina said...

GHOST MOON GIVEAWAY
Christina101092@yahoo.com

Tinas said...

THE STARTER WIFE GIVEAWAY
Christina101092@yahoo.com

tina said...

EXPRESS LANE MEALS GIVEAWAY
Christina101092@yahoo.com

tina said...

RUNE WARRIORS: SWORD OF DOOM GIVEAWAY
Christina101092@yahoo.com

tina said...

LITTLE PINK SLIPS & THE BEACH HOUSE GIVEAWAY
Christina101092@yahoo.com

tina said...

CAT OF THE CENTURY GIVEAWAY
Christina101092@yahoo.com

tina said...

TERRI DULONG 2 BOOK SET BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY
Christina101092@yahoo.com

tina said...

V:THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES DVD
Christina101092@yahoo.com

tina said...

OOGY, THE AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY
christina101092@yahoo.com

tina said...

THE STARTER WIFE GIVEAWAY
Christina101092@yahoo.com

tina said...

+5swag christina101092@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I loved hearing her story and all about that first novel in 6th grade.

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/#!/Romantic73/status/25526975519006720

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/chirth7/review/49489815/

chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Entry 1 skipped it oops: Like all of us, I loved hearing the story about the found writing of Grandma's that no one knew about until after her death, when the box was finally opened.
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

GHOST MOON GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

THE STARTER WIFE GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

EXPRESS LANE MEALS GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

RUNE WARRIORS: SWORD OF DOOM GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

LITTLE PINK SLIPS & THE BEACH HOUSE GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

CAT OF THE CENTURY GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

TERRI DULONG 2 BOOK SET BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

V:THE COMPLETE ORIGINAL SERIES DVD
chirth7@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

OOGY, THE AUDIO BOOK GIVEAWAY
chirth7@yahoo.com

Laura H. said...

Thanks for another great giveaway! I won "Also Known as Harper", which Ms. Leal wrote, on an earlier giveaway at Bookin' with Bingo and enjoyed it so much that I know this book will be just as enjoyable.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/27451658174734336

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

I found it interesting that the author collects old "Dick and Jane" readers, as do I. I also see that one of her favorite books is "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler". I can remember reading this when I was younger and how much I enjoyed it as well.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Entered "Oogy" giveaway.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

Entered "V" DVD series giveaway.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

Laura H. said...

FB fan January bonus entry.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

CLICK HERE TO
SEE MY POLICY