Blogging Mentor Monday: Book Giveaway

It's the fifth Monday of the month, so not only do I have a Blogging Mentor for you, I have a giveaway! Carol Kilgore from Under the Tiki Hut is here. Let's dive right in, shall we?

Carol, when and why did you start your blog? 

I offered my first blog post on November 2, 2008. Some of your readers were probably still in school then. I blogged to myself for a couple of weeks without letting anyone know. Since I'm not a journal keeper, I didn't know if I could come up with anything to say day after day. I learned I could spout off about most anything. Who knew?

Blogging was something I'd considered for a while because I wanted to meet more readers and writers. Writers work in such a vacuum, creating characters and events from nothing. It's all in our heads. I needed contact with people who did the same thing. And with people who loved what we created.

I started blogging for the same reasons, just a little later than you did. :)

How has blogging helped you prepare to publish your book? 

Blogging has helped me prepare for publication in several ways. When I started on the journey, I stepped out of my comfort zone into unknown territory. But many of my blog friends had taken the step before I did. I asked questions. Without fail, everyone responded with wonderful information and advice. I'm grateful beyond words and will continue to pay the favor forward. 

The blogging community is extremely supportive, and I'm proud to be a member. Blogging has also taught me how to better budget my time. This skill is always important in our busy lives. With the added tasks of publishing a book, time management becomes critical. I also have to thank my husband because he had a hand in this part, too, helping me fine-tune the basics I'd developed.

On a writing level, blogging has taught me not to be afraid of the words I write and to trust my instinct. Go with your gut. It's almost always right. And when it isn't, you can fix it.

Following your instinct seems like an easy task, but it can be hard to have faith in yourself. You're so right that blogging helps build experience and confidence.

What is your motivation for blogging today? 

I still crave the connections with readers and writers. But I also want to give back in some way. I haven't figured this all out yet. But I will. The giving back will probably take a few different forms, but it will not be by way of me blogging how-to lessons. Other writers do a great job of teaching, and I'm happy to let them.

Giving back is a great goal!

Random Question: You get the chance to meet your favorite literary hero. Who is it, and what would you say to him/her? 

Theodor Geisel. Better known and loved as Dr. Seuss! I would thank him for writing words that always bring a smile and for creating such wonderful characters. Who can forget Horton J Or the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, and, of course, the Grinch. Dr. Seuss's stories and characters have shaped all our lives.

Excellent choice. Who doesn't like Dr. Seuss? Thanks, Carol! 

Now for Carol's book:

No home. No family. No place to hide. For Summer Newcombe, that's only the beginning.

The night Summer escapes from a burning Padre Island eatery and discovers the arsonist is stalking her, is the same night she meets Fire Captain Gabriel Duran. As much as she's attracted to Gabe, five years in the Federal Witness Security Program because of her father’s testimony against a mob boss have taught her the importance of being alone and invisible.

No matter how much she yearns for a real home, Summer relinquished that option the night she killed the man who murdered her father. But Gabe breaks down her guard and places both of them in danger. Summer has vowed never to kill again, but she's frantic she'll cost Gabe his life unless she stops running and fights for the future she wants with the man she loves.

Sounds awesome, right? 

For a chance to win IN NAME ONLY, 

leave a comment.

The winner will be drawn randomly and announced August 6.

You can buy IN NAME ONLY here. 

Congrats on the release of your book, Carol!

Carol Kilgore is a Texas native who has lived in locations across the U.S. as the wife of a Coast Guard officer. Back under the hot Texas sun in San Antonio, Carol writes a blend of mystery, suspense, and romance she calls Crime Fiction with a Kiss. She and her husband share their home and patio with two active herding dogs, and every so often the dogs let them sit on the sofa.

Learn more about Carol and follow her here:
Blog: http://www.underthetikihut.blogspot.com

Website: http://www.carolkilgore.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/carolkilgore.author
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/carol_kilgore
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6094110.Carol_Kilgore

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/author/ckilgore