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Guest Post & Book Excerpt with Diane Chamberlain, author of The Good Father & Giveaway

April 24, 2012 by Darlene

The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain is touring for the rest of April and all of May with Book Trib!  I am excited to be the first stop on this great blog tour that is packed full with reviews, author Q&A sessions, guest blog posts, and giveaways!  In addition on each blog tour stop an excerpt will be revealed until, at the very end, you have enjoyed all of Chapter 1.  To make this blog tour even more exciting Book Trib will be featuring Diane Chamberlain LIVE on their homepage where readers will be able to ask her questions and this will be happening on May 31st at 3 pm ET so make sure to mark your calendars!

 

(Click on the Picture to be taken directly to the Book Trib site)

 

I’ve been a fan of Diane’s for a while now so I’m excited to welcome her here today on Peeking Between the Pages with a guest post so please enjoy as Diane discusses Using personal stories in writing: do or don’t?…

 

Every writer has to decide for herself how autobiographical to make a novel. First novels often tend to be the most autobiographical because those personal stories are itching to be told. But what will the author write about for book two? Or three? Or twenty? I discovered early on that writing from personal experience didn’t serve me well. First, as thrilling as my personal stories were to me, I doubted they’d be that exciting to my readers—unless I told the really juicy ones, and I wasn’t going there! Second, personal stories rarely involve only one person, and I would never be comfortable writing about other “real people” in one of my books.

Even worse than using my own experience is using someone else’s. When I was a new writer, I also had a private psychotherapy practice. I decided not to tell any of my clients about my fledgling second career, not wanting them to worry I might use something they told me in confidence. However, after an article about me appeared in the local paper, I knew I had to come clean. I told every potential client that I was a fiction writer but would never use something I heard in my office in my writing. Then I allowed them to make the decision whether to work with me or not. Despite hearing some very intriguing/moving/amazing stories, I kept that promise.

What I do incorporate into my books, though, is what I’ve learned about people in general from my work as a social worker. For example, many of my books have a strong medical element in them influenced by my years as a hospital social worker, when I had the privilege of witnessing people at their most vulnerable, their most courageous, their most human. Although I never use specific people or situations in my novels, what I learned from working with people influences everything I write.

 

And the Book Excerpt:

1
Travis
Raleigh, North Carolina
October 2011

It was nine-forty when I woke up in the back of the van. Nine-forty! What if Erin had already left the coffee shop by the time we got there? What if she’s not there? That sentence kept running through my head as I got Bella up and moving.

 

Click here to follow the rest of the blog tour and to check out the other excerpts to come…

 

About The Good Father

Four years ago, nineteen-year-old Travis Brown made a choice: to raise his newborn daughter on his own. While most of his friends were out partying and meeting girls, Travis was at home, changing diapers and worrying about keeping food on the table. He’s never regretted his decision: Bella is the light of his life. But after Travis loses his job and his home, the security he’s worked so hard to create for his daughter begins to crumble. When he receives a job offer, he thinks his troubles have come to an end . . . not realizing that they’ve only just begun.

Reading Guide
Buy The Good Father at Amazon.com, Indiebound, B&N, and Amazon.ca

 

About Diane Chamberlain

Diane Chamberlain is an award-winning author of 20 novels published in more than 11 languages. She writes complex stories about love, compassion and forgiveness.

Her books, which are often set in her home state of North Carolina, feature a combination of family drama, intrigue and suspense.

Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey. She also lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia before making North Carolina her home.

Diane received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C. She also was a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.

Diane’s background in psychology and her work in hospitals have given her a keen interest in understanding the way people tick, as well as the background necessary to create real, living, breathing characters.

Several years ago Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which has changed the way she works—she sometimes types using voice recognition software. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she is able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.

Diane lives with her partner, photographer John Pagliuca, and her shelties, Keeper and Jet.

Diane’s website
Diane’s blog
Find Diane on Facebook
Follow Diane on Twitter

 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I have one copy of The Good Father by Diane Chamberlain to share with my readers.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry simply leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog.  If you already do, thank you, and please let me know so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway and spread the word!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, May 12/12.  Good luck to all!

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Filed Under: Book Spotlights, Guest Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary Ward says

    April 24, 2012 at 12:53 am

    I love Diane’s books. I can’t wait to read this one.

  2. Mary Ward says

    April 24, 2012 at 12:54 am

    I follow on GFC (mamie316) and by email.

  3. Melissa says

    April 24, 2012 at 3:56 am

    Oh, this sounds a bit like The Pursuit of Happyness. That story was so good. Any story about a parent losing their job is heartbreaking.

    Diane Chamberlain is one accomplished lady! I’m so impressed!

  4. Jonita says

    April 24, 2012 at 4:09 am

    I’ve only read one of Diane Chamberlain’s books, but it was a good one! I would love the chance to win this one.

    I am a follower through GFC as well.

    jonitathebookchick(at)gmail(dot)com

  5. wall-to-wall books-wendy says

    April 24, 2012 at 4:26 am

    OH! I LOVE Diane Chamberlain!!!!!! I didn’t even read your post yet, I got so excited! I have read almost everything by her, one of my favs!

    Please enter me (duh)
    I am a follower
    I will post it on my sidebar

    forevereading at gmail dot com

  6. Mary says

    April 24, 2012 at 5:39 am

    – This sounds really good, Dar! Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
    – I follow via Google reader
    – I shared via FB:
    https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=314335988634458&id=100001504870656

  7. Pat L. says

    April 24, 2012 at 5:47 am

    It sounds good – would love to find out what happens to the father and daughter after Dad loses his job.

  8. Pat L. says

    April 24, 2012 at 5:47 am

    I follow via email and gfc.

  9. bermudaonion (Kathy) says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:12 am

    I think most readers suspect an author’s first book is somewhat autobiographical. I’d love to be entered in your great giveaway.

    I subscribe in Google Reader.

  10. Renee says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:47 am

    Thanks for this giveaway

  11. Renee says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:47 am

    I follow you in google

  12. rhonda says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:47 am

    Would love to read it.follow on email twitter at rhondareadsnetwork follower.will tweet

  13. Anne says

    April 24, 2012 at 7:11 am

    Thanks for this great giveaway. I have read Diane Chamberlain’s books which are memorable. I subscribe via e-mail.

  14. Ellie says

    April 24, 2012 at 7:14 am

    Fascinating story which interests me. A wonderful author whose books are special. I am an e-mail subscriber.

  15. debbie says

    April 24, 2012 at 7:37 am

    I would love to read this book, it sounds really good.
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

  16. debbie says

    April 24, 2012 at 7:37 am

    I am a gfc follower
    debbie
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

  17. Donna Maine says

    April 24, 2012 at 8:09 am

    Would love to win your giveaway! I love Diane Chamberlain’s books!

  18. Donna Maine says

    April 24, 2012 at 8:10 am

    I also follow your Blog on GFC!

  19. Wanda says

    April 24, 2012 at 8:38 am

    I thoroughly enjoy Diane Chamberlain books and would love to win a copy of this one! I’m new to your blog and look forward to follwing it.

  20. Lisa Garrett says

    April 24, 2012 at 9:17 am

    I would love to read more of this story. I want to see why the new job may be the beginning of his problems.

  21. Lisa Garrett says

    April 24, 2012 at 9:18 am

    I follow via GFC and email.

  22. Lisa Garrett says

    April 24, 2012 at 9:18 am

    Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/#!/lag32583/status/194806784836382720

  23. zibilee says

    April 24, 2012 at 10:10 am

    Oh man, I think if I were seeing a therapist and she confided that she was an author, I would totally have to tell her to leave me out of her work! It’s pretty cool, actually, that she didn’t use that information, and gives me a lot of respect for her. I will be interested in finding out more about her work now! Please do include me in your giveaway, Dar, and thanks for hosting it!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  24. Colleen Turner says

    April 24, 2012 at 10:20 am

    I just love her books! My overzealous recommendations have made her a favorite of my moms as well :). Thanks for a chance to win a copy!

  25. Colleen Turner says

    April 24, 2012 at 10:20 am

    I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner) and email subscriber.

  26. Karen Wapinski says

    April 24, 2012 at 10:25 am

    I’d love to read this, thanks for the giveaway ^_^
    I am a follower

    faefever25 at hotmail dot com

  27. Diane B. says

    April 24, 2012 at 10:28 am

    This looks like a wonderful book. I’ve never read any of Diane’s books but I plan on starting to. Thanks for the great giveaway. I’m a follower and hug Sammy for me please.
    https://twitter.com/#!/Dyniy/status/194824880552812544

  28. Carl says

    April 24, 2012 at 11:23 am

    I’ve heard so many good things about The Good Father. I’d really like to get a copy of my own. Please enter my name for the chance to win.

    I follow this blog by email: carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx

    I also tweeted about the giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/carlrscott/status/194838055411134464

    Thanks!

  29. Sandra K321 says

    April 24, 2012 at 11:43 am

    I would enjoy reading this. I have read several reviews and everyone has liked it.

  30. Sandra K321 says

    April 24, 2012 at 11:43 am

    I follow with GFC and via RSS as Sandra K321.

  31. Margie says

    April 24, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    I’d love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.

  32. Margie says

    April 24, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    I follow by email subscription.

  33. bn100 says

    April 24, 2012 at 1:24 pm

    Very nice post. Sounds like a good book.

  34. bn100 says

    April 24, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    I follow the blog.

  35. Karen B says

    April 24, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    Being a single parent is difficult at best but a single father seems nearly impossible. I’m eager to read THE GOOD FATHER.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  36. Karen B says

    April 24, 2012 at 3:39 pm

    Email subscriber.
    kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com

  37. Tanya Quilts in CO says

    April 24, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    I love Diane Chamberlain and have read all her books. I follow your blog…If I don’t win it I will ask for it for Mother’s Day!

  38. Mary Ann Woods says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Really love Diane Chamberlain’s books. They always seem to speak directly to me, good or bad! Thanks for the chance to win this one!!

  39. Mary Ann Woods says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:01 pm

    Forgot to indicate that I do follow you via email.

  40. Georgette Coan says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    I follow your blog via email.

    I also follow GFC-Georgette C

  41. Georgette Coan says

    April 24, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    I also tweeted your guest post and giveaway.

    https://twitter.com/#!/LadyGDuran/status/194941169887752193.

    Thank you for the giveaway, I haven’t read any of your books, but it sounds like a great book!

  42. Nise' says

    April 24, 2012 at 7:48 pm

    Diane is one of my favorite authors. I have not read this one yet. Thanks for the giveaway.

    I am a follower.

  43. amandasue says

    April 25, 2012 at 11:55 am

    What a great author! And would love to read this book!

  44. amandasue says

    April 25, 2012 at 11:56 am

    I’m a follower thanks!

  45. karenk says

    April 25, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    thanks for the chance to read this novel 🙂

  46. karenk says

    April 25, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    i’m a follower, too 🙂

  47. Staci@LifeintheThumb says

    April 25, 2012 at 4:11 pm

    I love Diane’s books and have this one and I must get to it soon!!!

  48. Margaret says

    April 25, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    +1 I have yet to read a book by this author so I’d love to win.

    +2 blog follower

    + 3 tweeted

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

  49. Bonnie says

    April 25, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    This books sounds really interesting. I am following on Twitter (@greenurlifenow) and have tweeted about the contest.

    https://twitter.com/#!/greenurlifenow/status/195334262348718081

  50. pamela james says

    April 26, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    This is a twist on single parenthood. Can’t wait to read this!

    pjames330 at aol dot com

  51. pamela james says

    April 26, 2012 at 6:57 pm

    gfc follower
    pjames330 at aol dot com

  52. pamela james says

    April 26, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    https://twitter.com/#!/pj436/status/195678168676446208

  53. mamabunny13 says

    April 30, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    I’m looking forward to reading this book. thanks for the chance to win it.
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  54. mamabunny13 says

    April 30, 2012 at 3:24 pm

    I follow you via gfc – mamabunny13
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  55. Susan @ The Book Bag says

    May 1, 2012 at 3:53 pm

    This book sounds great and is going on my TBR list. Thanks for the chance!!

    I am a GFC follower.

  56. Sveta says

    May 2, 2012 at 3:46 pm

    The book sounds pretty amazing, although I’ve never read the author. Just to let oyu know, I tweeted and followed your blog under the name Cbeta Fiberson on Facebook.

  57. Hira Hasnain (Enamored Soul) says

    May 4, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    I’m a HUGE fan of Diane Chamberlain – loved her book “The Midwife’s Confession”, and would love to read this one. Thank you for this giveaway opportunity.

  58. Hira Hasnain (Enamored Soul) says

    May 4, 2012 at 7:59 pm

    I’m a GFC follower: ~Enamored Soul~

    Name: Hira Hasnain
    Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com

  59. Hira Hasnain (Enamored Soul) says

    May 4, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    I tweeted the giveaway: https://twitter.com/#!/inluvwithbookz/status/198592879281704960

    Name: Hira Hasnain
    Email: Enamoredsoul(at)gmail(dot)com

  60. Maureen says

    May 5, 2012 at 5:31 pm

    It looks like a good story.
    I follow on GFC
    Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/MaureenCE/status/198917763685814273

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