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Guest Post with C.J. Darlington, author of Bound by Guilt & Giveaway

March 23, 2011 by Darlene

I’m happy to welcome C.J. Darlington, author of Bound by Guilt to Peeking Between the Pages today. I haven’t had the pleasure of reading C.J.’s novel yet but will be soon as it sounds fantastic and I’m crazy about the cover with the books pictured on it. Looks great! Today C.J. Darlington is going to share with us her Inspiration Behind Bound by Guilt…


When I first started writing Bound by Guilt I was intrigued by the concept of a person making a living stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores and selling them for a profit. I’ve been involved in the antiquarian book trade for over twelve years, so I was able to imagine the logistics of how this would work. Then I read an article about a young man who’d been arrested in California for doing this very thing. It was such an interesting crime, I knew I had to put it in a book! My fictional Dawson’s Book Barn, which was introduced in my first novel Thicker than Blood, was the perfect setting. It’s based on the real-life bookstore Baldwin’s Book Barn in West Chester, Pennsylvania. I have many fond memories of losing myself among the shelves at Baldwin’s, and I’ve literally gotten lost trying to find my way down to the entrance room from the fifth floor.

In Bound by Guilt one rare book in particular takes center stage. First editions of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald with their dust jackets, can fetch from thirty to even a hundred thousand dollars in good condition. I didn’t make that up. In fact, all of the rare book collecting facts and tidbits in Bound by Guilt are based on things I’ve heard or they’re from my own personal experiences traveling the country in an RV to book sales.

Another idea which propelled this novel was a scenario that came to me one night while out walking in my backyard. I remember stuffing my hands into the pockets of my jean jacket and taking in a deep breath of the cool air. My shoes crunched in the dirt, and the thought hit me—what if I suddenly found myself with nothing but the clothes on my back? Where would I go? What would I do? It was a concept that stayed with me for years and one my main character, Roxi Gold, experiences first hand. Roxi is a girl who yearns for a family and will do anything to fit in. She touched my heart while I wrote her story, and I hope she’ll touch yours too. Roxi’s feelings are universal. We all long to be loved. We’ve all felt guilt.

I began writing Bound by Guilt with these thoughts in my mind, but I didn’t know how they would come together into a cohesive story yet. After several months of writing and rewriting the first chapters I decided to write the rest of the book really fast. I gave myself six weeks. That meant I needed to type 1500 words a day, five days a week. But here’s the kicker—I would not be allowed to re-read anything I’d written the day before. Impossible you say? I thought so too until I gave it a try. It ended up really working for me.

I’m so excited to be able to finally share this story. It was an adventure to write, and I hope it’s an adventure for you to read!
__________

Thank you so much for sharing this great guest post with us C.J.! I always find it fascinating to hear the stories behind what inspires an author! I’m really looking forward to reading Bound by Guilt!
__________

About the Book (from C.J. Darlington’s website)

Shuttled between foster homes, Roxi Gold will do anything to fit in. Soon she’s traveling the country stealing rare books from unsuspecting bookstores. Police officer Abby Dawson has seen the worst of society—and not just at work. One fateful night, both their lives are changed forever. One searches for justice, the other finds herself on the run. Will the power of forgiveness set them free?

Check out the book trailer

About the Author (from C.J. Darlington’s website)


C. J. Darlington won the 2008 Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Operation First Novel contest with her first novel, Thicker Than Blood. She has been in the antiquarian bookselling business for over twelve years, scouting for stores similar to the ones described in her novels before cofounding her own online bookstore. In 2006 C. J. started the Christian entertainment Web site www.TitleTrakk.com with her sister, Tracy, and has been actively promoting Christian fiction through book reviews and author interviews. A homeschool graduate, she makes her home in Pennsylvania with her family and their menagerie of dogs and cats.

C.J. Darlington’s website
Follow her on Twitter
Like her on Facebook
Check out the other tour stops.
Buy at Amazon, Christianbook.com, and Barnes & Noble!
__________

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of Bound by Guilt by C.J. Darlington to share with my readers. To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with a way to contact you.
  • For 2 entries follow my blog. If you already do, thank you, and please let me know in your comment as the extra entry is yours as well.
  • For 3 entries tweet or blog this giveaway and spread the word!

This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, April 9/11. Good luck everyone!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Precious says

    March 23, 2011 at 10:42 am

    I loved the post so much! This is really intriguing. I've seen rare expensive books online being sold. Don't include me in the giveaway – not a US/Canadian resident.

  2. Wall-to-wall books says

    March 23, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    Sounds like a great book! Beautiful cover!

    I am a follower.

    Posted on my right sidebar.

    forevereading at gmail dot com

  3. Linda says

    March 23, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    Sounds like a fascinating novel. Thanks for including the trailer, and thanks for the giveaway.

    I am a follower through Google.

    lcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com

  4. Sandra K321 says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:05 pm

    I hadn't seen this book before, but it sounds interesting.
    seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)Com

  5. Sandra K321 says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    I follow your blog with GFC as Sandra K321.

  6. Rachel says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

  7. Zibilee says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    The book and the creation story behind it are just fascinating and make me really want to read this one! I would love to be entered in your giveaway, Dar!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

    I am also a follower of your blog!

  8. rubynreba says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    Interesting concept for a book. I'd really enjoy this.

    I am a follower of your blog.

    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

  9. Nise' says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:56 pm

    I have not read any of CJ's books yet. This one sounds great.

    I am a follower.

    nisethusfarATyahooDOT

  10. Bethie says

    March 23, 2011 at 2:02 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win this.

    I follow on GFC

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

  11. Vivienne says

    March 23, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    a bibliophile's dream book I feel. I shall look out for this one.

  12. TheBookGirl says

    March 23, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    This is a definite must read for me: I help to run a non-profit used bookshop, so the rare book angle fascinates me. Thanks so much for this review!

  13. Madison says

    March 23, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    Sounds like a great book!!
    I'm a GFC follower 🙂

    chitchatqueen2005@hotmail.com

  14. PoCoKat says

    March 23, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    Sounds like an interesting book!!

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

  15. PoCoKat says

    March 23, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    GFC follower

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

  16. traveler says

    March 23, 2011 at 4:40 pm

    Thanks for this fascinating giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

  17. Colleen Turner says

    March 23, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    This book sounds wonderful! Please include me in the giveaway.
    Thanks!
    candc320@gmail.com

  18. Colleen Turner says

    March 23, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
    candc320@gmail.com

  19. Carol says

    March 23, 2011 at 5:15 pm

    I would love to be entered. How could I pass up a story about a book thief?

    carolsnotebook at yahoo dot com

    I'm a follower, by the way.

  20. faefever25 says

    March 23, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    This sounds like a wonderful book!

    I ama follower
    Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Parakiss25

    faefever25@hotmail.com

  21. Carol N Wong says

    March 23, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    I would really like to read this book. One of our neighbors adopted a preteen boy who had been shuffled from one foster home to another all his life. He had got into lots of trouble. His adoptive parents were not what you call "warm".

    One time, I saw him peering into our family room from outside. I wondered if he was looking for a real family. I have always wondered what happened to him. This book gives me some hope that he might have found some help later. Please enter me for this contest.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  22. Carol N Wong says

    March 23, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    I follow your blog with Google Friends Connect.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  23. Carol N Wong says

    March 23, 2011 at 5:27 pm

    I tweeted:
    https://peekingbetweenthepages.com/2011/03/guest-post-with-cj-darlington-author-of.html? Giveaway of "Bound by Guilt'

    My Twitter name is Carolee888

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  24. Karen B says

    March 23, 2011 at 5:43 pm

    Wonderful post! I've always been intrigued by the true stories of those who steal from libraries.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

  25. Karen B says

    March 23, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    Email subscriber and GFC follower.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com

  26. Linda Kish says

    March 23, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    This book looks so good.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  27. Linda Kish says

    March 23, 2011 at 6:32 pm

    I am a GFC follower

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  28. a real librarian says

    March 23, 2011 at 6:44 pm

    Great post!!! Thanks for the chance to win!! I also follow!!

    areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com

  29. Suko says

    March 23, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    Darlene , it has been too long since I spent some time reading your terrific blog.

    Please enter me in this great giveaway. The book sounds really good.

    I am a follower. I will post this in my blog's sidebar.

    suko85(at)gmail.com

  30. Suzanne says

    March 23, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    This book sounds great! Thanks for hosting a giveaway!

    Suzanne
    quzy(at)mac(dot)com

  31. Suzanne says

    March 23, 2011 at 8:06 pm

    Of Course I'm a Follower! On GFC!

    Suzanne
    quzy(at)mac(dot)com

  32. Suzanne says

    March 23, 2011 at 8:07 pm

    I Posted your giveaway on my blogs sidebar! You can find it at:

    http://www.chickwithbooks.blogspot.com

    Suzanne
    quzy(at)mac(dot)com

  33. Brenda says

    March 23, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    The book sounds like a great story! Please enter me!

    dancealert at aol dot com

  34. Brenda says

    March 23, 2011 at 9:06 pm

    I'm following through GFC and I'm a subsriber by email!

    dancealert at aol dot com

  35. Brenda says

    March 23, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    I posted the giveaway to my blog:
    http://dancealertreads.blogspot.com/2011/03/peeking-between-pages-guest-post-and.html

    dancealert at aol dot com

    DanceAlertReads.blogspot.com

  36. Atypical Girl says

    March 23, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    Don't enter me for the giveaway because I already read/reviewed this book, but I love this piece on C.J! She's the sweetest and one of my editors at TitleTrakk.com! 🙂

  37. jecca says

    March 23, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    im a follower

    jessica b
    jecca.0104[at]gmail[dot]com

  38. KimberlySue says

    March 23, 2011 at 11:14 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity!
    I am already a follower, and I also retweeted this on twitter!

    kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com
    twitter.com/kdaze10

  39. Susan says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:19 am

    What an interesting book!

    susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

  40. Susan says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:19 am

    1. I follow by gfc.
    susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

  41. Susan says

    March 24, 2011 at 4:20 am

    2. I follow by gfc.
    susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com

  42. Staci says

    March 24, 2011 at 2:07 pm

    Not only do I want to read this one but I want to get lost in that bookstore in PA!!!!!

  43. The Zealous Reader says

    March 24, 2011 at 9:25 pm

    1. I follow by Google Reader! the (dot) zealous (dot) reader (at) gmail (dot) com.

  44. Margie says

    March 24, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway. Looks like a good book!
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

  45. Margie says

    March 24, 2011 at 11:28 pm

    -blog follower via GFC
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

  46. mamabunny13 says

    March 26, 2011 at 3:26 pm

    I would love to read this book. I follow via gfc
    tweet http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/51665502296211456
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  47. naida says

    March 26, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    The premise of this one sounds intriguing. Great guest post! Interesting how she didnt allow herself to re-read what she'd written the day before while writing.

  48. Rachel says

    March 26, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    This sounds like a great book! I look forward to it. It reminds me of the book thief. I am following your blog. Happy Reading!

  49. maria says

    March 27, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    Count me in please!

    billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com

  50. Hoot says

    March 28, 2011 at 3:41 pm

    This book sounds great. Jessy…
    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com.

  51. Hoot says

    March 28, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    I am a follower through google reader. Jessy.
    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com

  52. lisamarie says

    March 28, 2011 at 5:45 pm

    This book sound's good.

    lvlyloka@gmail.com

  53. Rachel says

    March 28, 2011 at 9:29 pm

    Great post! It never even occurred to me that people would steal from libraries on purpose, call me naive. This sounds like an interesting book.

    GFC Follower

    hopester777 at gmail dot com

  54. Melanie L says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:26 am

    Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
    peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

  55. Melanie L says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:29 am

    I'm a GFC follower. (Melanie L)
    peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

  56. Melanie L says

    March 29, 2011 at 4:32 am

    Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Melanie_2006/status/52586843987918848

    peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com

  57. Anonymous says

    March 29, 2011 at 12:02 pm

    sounds good.
    RJB
    loki304(at)tds(dot)net

  58. Cindy W. says

    March 29, 2011 at 11:42 pm

    I've had my eye on this book since the first time I saw a review. Would love to win a copy.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

  59. Cindy W. says

    March 29, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    I am also a GFC follower.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

  60. Kelly says

    March 30, 2011 at 1:37 pm

    This book sound great! I would love to win it. I just started following your blog and I can be reached at kelly(dot)baker92 (at)gmail(dot) com.

  61. melissasmeanderings says

    March 30, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    Sounds like a great read
    +1 GFC Follower

    mk261274 st gmail dot com

  62. Alice Teh says

    April 2, 2011 at 12:37 pm

    "[…] what if I suddenly found myself with nothing but the clothes on my back? Where would I go? What would I do?" Those questions made me think.

  63. My name is Patricia says

    April 2, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    What a fantastic Giveaway! Thank you so much!! Enter me please 🙂

    PelicanJL@hotmail.com

    <3 Happy Reading
    Patricia @ Patricia's Particularity

  64. My name is Patricia says

    April 2, 2011 at 7:33 pm

    +1 GFC Follower

    Patricia @ Patricia's Particularity

  65. Amy C says

    April 2, 2011 at 9:23 pm

    Books and thieves. Yum.

    Follower!

    +2 (total)

    amy408(at)gmail(dot)com

  66. Melody says

    April 3, 2011 at 1:31 am

    This sounds like a great book. I really want to read this one.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

  67. Melody says

    April 3, 2011 at 1:31 am

    GFC follower.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

  68. Ms. Tina says

    April 5, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    I am a new follower. Can't wait to read this intriguing novel. Will pass it on once I read it. Will tweet about you and link you to our facebook page.

    quellever@aol.com

  69. Bonnie McAfee says

    April 6, 2011 at 10:52 am

    I really like the cover of this one. The premise sounds wildly unique and interesting. You have a lot of great books up for giveaway. 😀

    My e-mail is wakeupangel at googlemail dot com

  70. Bonnie McAfee says

    April 6, 2011 at 10:52 am

    I follow your blog with the username Bani (Bonnie McAfee)

  71. Bonnie McAfee says

    April 6, 2011 at 10:52 am

    Tweeted – http://twitter.com/#!/baniclips/status/55583546106068992

  72. Wanda says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:32 am

    I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

  73. Wanda says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:34 am

    I follow your blog through Google Friend Connect.
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

  74. Wanda says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:34 am

    I follow your blog through Google Friend Connect.
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

  75. Wanda says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:37 am

    I tweeted this giveaway.
    http://twitter.com/#!/lemonslippers/status/56168455514234881
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

  76. Wanda says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:37 am

    I tweeted this giveaway.
    http://twitter.com/#!/lemonslippers/status/56168455514234881
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

  77. Wanda says

    April 8, 2011 at 1:37 am

    I tweeted this giveaway.
    http://twitter.com/#!/lemonslippers/status/56168455514234881
    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

  78. Anita Yancey says

    April 8, 2011 at 7:09 pm

    This book would make a great read. I would enjoy it very much. Please enter me. Thanks!

    GFC Follower!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  79. lknott says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:16 am

    What an articulate author! This book is the next for me to read! Would love to win it! Thank you for the chance!

    lknott@partnercom.net

  80. lknott says

    April 9, 2011 at 1:25 am

    I am also a GFC Follower-lknott

    lknott@partnercom.net

  81. Laura H. says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:22 am

    This sounds like a great book! And I love the cover! Count me in!

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

  82. Laura H. says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:22 am

    #1 Already follow via GFC (Bornajhawk).

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

  83. Laura H. says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:23 am

    #2 Already follow via GFC (Bornajhawk).

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

  84. Laura H. says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:25 am

    #1 Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/56920488886280192

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

  85. Laura H. says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:25 am

    #2 Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/56920488886280192

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

  86. Laura H. says

    April 10, 2011 at 3:25 am

    #3 Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/56920488886280192

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

  87. Nancye says

    April 10, 2011 at 4:07 am

    This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

  88. Nancye says

    April 10, 2011 at 4:08 am

    GFC Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #1

  89. Nancye says

    April 10, 2011 at 4:09 am

    GFC Follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #2

  90. Nancye says

    April 10, 2011 at 4:10 am

    Tweet! Tweet!
    @NancyeDavis

    http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/56930844505423872

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #1

  91. Nancye says

    April 10, 2011 at 4:11 am

    Tweet! Tweet!
    @NancyeDavis

    http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/56930844505423872

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #2

  92. Nancye says

    April 10, 2011 at 4:12 am

    Tweet! Tweet!
    @NancyeDavis

    http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/56930844505423872

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
    #3

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