Welcome to the Blog Tour for Songs for a Sunday by Heather Norman Smith, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Songs for a Sunday
Author: Heather Norman Smith
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date: February 7, 2023
Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction/Southern Fiction/Split Time
Two sets of sisters, generations apart–can one big sister’s sacrifice teach the other about love and forgiveness?
1963: Twenty-year-old Annie dreams of managing the dance studio where she has trained since childhood and of marrying her high-society boyfriend. But when her younger sister with special needs gets pregnant, Annie is forced to set her dreams aside for the sake of family.
About the Author
Heather Norman Smith is a Christian fiction and devotions author. Her goal is to use the written word to entertain and encourage while illuminating the redemptive love of God. She also enjoys singing about Jesus. Heather is a proud life-long North Carolinian and aims to present the beauty of the Tar Heel State in her fiction. Her home is just outside Winston-Salem, N.C., where she lives with her husband and their four children, and several pets.
Connect with Heather by visiting heathernormansmith.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.
Q & A with Heather Norman Smith!
Which of your Published or Unpublished books is your favorite, and why?
Songs for a Sunday is my favorite, but partly because it’s the newest and freshest on my mind. Also, because it’s the most recent, I think the writing is better, which makes me like it more. I hope to get stronger with each book. Other than this one, my second book, Where I Was Planted, is one of my favorite stories. I just love the characters.
How do you pick your character’s personalities or looks?
So far, I don’t feel like I’ve done a lot of “choosing” in my characters. Somehow it just kind of happens. They know who they are and they tell me, as crazy as that sounds. Sometimes, there’s a real person in my life that provides inspiration, though.
What is your favorite genre to read? What is your favorite genre to write? And why are they your favorites?
Southern Fiction is my favorite to read and write. I love it when the setting is a strong character, when you feel like you’re there and you want to be there with the characters.
What inspires you the most?
The Word of God. Building a story around the eternal truth of the Bible inspires me.
Once an idea takes root, how long does it take you to write it down? Do you use outlines?
It really depends on the story. Each one is different. When an idea starts, I normally write down details right away. Some stories have outlines and some stories just flow as I go along. Some take a long time and others I’m able to write quickly.
Do you have a favorite author? Or someone whom you would say has influenced your writing style?
Several years ago, I discovered Fannie Flagg’s stories, and I was enamored by her unique, endearing characters. More recently, I’ve discovered Michelle Shocklee as someone whose writing I’d like to emulate. She delivers a rich, quality, inspirational novel.
What are your hobbies other than writing?
I love to sing, and it was so fun to incorporate music into Songs for a Sunday. I’ve been singing in church since I was a little girl.
Do you have a genre that you would never write?
I never say never. As long as it’s clean and God-honoring, I think I could try most anything. But, the least likely would probably be Fantasy or Suspense. Some time ago, I had an idea and started writing a novella that would probably be considered Sci-Fi, though. That really surprised me! Maybe one day I’ll finish it.
What is one thing you would say has had the greatest impact on your writing?
A supportive family has been a great asset to my writing. My parents, especially, always have shown how proud they are of my books. And my husband and children are so encouraging of my passion to write.
Lastly, what was your favorite book growing up?
My favorite book was anything my dad was reading to me. I can remember him reading the Little House books and The Chronicles of Narnia. In seventh or eighth grade, I discovered Gone With the Wind and fell in love with the story.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book and a $25 Amazon gift card!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 6, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 13, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
thank you for the Q&A!! was very fun to read
I would love to read this.
This sounds like an awesome book!!