Janice Hanna Thompson ~ Interview + Giveaway

Today author Janica Hanna Thompson is telling us about her new book, Fools Rush In. She has graciously offered an autographed copy of her other new book, Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas, for one lucky commenter to win!

Welcome Janice! Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Janice Thompson. I also write under the name Janice Hanna. (Hanna is my maiden name and I’ve been writing some books under that name as a tribute to my father, who passed away three years ago.) I live in the Houston area near two of my daughters and three of my four grandchildren.

How long have you been writing? How many books do you have published?
I started writing in 6th grade. In my 20’s I wrote a screenplay with my dad. Then I didn’t write much of anything until 1990, when I wrote my first musical for our church’s children’s ministry. Since then I’ve written four musicals and fifty-four books (both fiction and non-fiction).

If you compared your writing style to any other Christian Fiction author, who would it be? What style is your romance?
I suppose I could be compared to Kristin Billerbeck because of my humorous first-person approach. I’ve also been told my writing is a little like Robin Jones Gunn. My writing is sweet, funny and quirky, but not terribly sensual. I try not to cross that line.

In your own words tell us a little about Fools Rush In.
Fools Rush In is the first book in the “Weddings by Bella” series. It’s a funny love story about a wedding planner from a large Italian family who falls in love with a country boy from a small town in east Texas.

Blurb:

Bella Rossi may be nearing thirty, but her life is just starting to get interesting. When her Italian-turned-Texan parents hand over the family wedding planning business, Bella is determined not to let them down. She quickly books a "Boot Scoot'n" wedding that would make any Texan proud. There's only one catch--she's a country music numbskull because her family only listens to Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Where will she find a DJ on such short notice who knows his Alan Jackson from his Keith Urban?

When a misunderstanding leads her to the DJ (and man) of her dreams, things start falling into place. But with a family like hers, nothing is guaranteed. Can the perfect Texan wedding survive a pizza-making uncle with mob ties, an aunt who is a lawsuit waiting to happen, and a massive delivery of 80 cowboy boots? And will Bella ever get to plan her own wedding?

Book one in the Weddings by Bella series, Fools Rush In is fun, fresh, and full of surprises. Readers will love the flavorful combination of Italian and Tex-Mex, and the hilarity that ensues when cultures clash.


What made you want to write this story?
I love humorous stories and love large families. I also love to set stories on Galveston Island, so that’s where I set this one.

What research did you have to do for this book?
Goodness! A lot! Because this book is based on Dean Martin songs, I had to research his music. And because I wanted to get the feel of Galveston Island, I had to do a bit of research on that, as well. (I live near Galveston and have been there many times, but I wanted to make sure I got the “post-Ike” parts right.)

Who would you pick to play the lead roles if this book was made into a movie?

Bella would be played by Jennifer Garner.

D.J. would be played by Matthew McConaughey.



What are you working on now or going to write next?
I’ve finished all three books in the “Weddings by Bella” series and am now working on a second series for Revell titled “The Show Must Go On.” This series is set in Hollywood and revolves around the cast of a Hollywood sitcom. I’ve also just released a book with Summerside (“Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas”) under my maiden name, Janice Hanna. I’m doing three more books for Summerside, as well.

How can readers get in contact with you?
They can visit my website at www.janiceathompson.com or contact me by email at booksbyjanice@aol.com. I’ve also got a new “Weddings by Bella” blog, which can be found here: http://weddingsbybella.blogspot.com/. I also have a facebook page and a shoutlife page.

What are you currently reading?
I just finished a great non-fiction book by Miles McPherson titled, “Do Something.” Awesome book. I wish all believers would read it. As far as fiction goes, I just read Martha Rogers’s book, “Becoming Lucy.” It goes to print soon and I can’t wait for readers to share in this story!

Tell us something surprising about yourself that readers may not know.
I bake wedding cakes. I have four daughters in their 20’s and they all got married within the past four and a half years. I made the cakes for three of the four weddings.

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Why?
Hmm. A Cheetah, maybe? I like to move f-a-s-t!

Favorites:
TV show, and/or movie?
T.V. show (anything from the Food Network, especially “The Next Food Network Star” or “Food Network Challenge.”
Place to go vacation:
Oh, man! I’m dying to go to Italy. Don’t know if it will ever happen, but a girl can wish!
Book this month or year?
I have two books that have changed my life. First, “The Heavenly Man” (a non-fiction book about the underground church in China). Second, the book I’ve already mentioned, “Do Something” by Miles McPherson

Fools Rush In released in September 2009.

~~~~~

**USA residents only please**

Okay readers, here is your chance to win an autographed copy of Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas! To enter: Leave a comment with your name and email address (so I can contact you if you win), and please specify that you want to be included in the contest! *If you want an extra entry, become one of my followers.* The comment is mandatory. (Please, say in the comment that you are a follower!! It makes my job easier when you do.) You will not be entered unless you leave a comment. If you are already a follower, and then you leave a comment, you will still get two entries in the contest. The contest will run from today (Nov. 6) until 10:30 CST on Thursday (Nov. 12). I will announce the winner that night. The winner is always randomly drawn. I will contact the winner on Friday the 13th, and then that person will have one week to reply. If the winner doesn't reply within that time period, I will pick a new winner. Good luck! Thanks for visiting.

My review of Love Finds You in Poetry, Texas HERE.