Are you a fan of book series? What avid reader isn’t.
Today’s guest RJ Thesman is author of the Life at Cove Creek series. Her book Final Grace for Reverend G released today and is the third and final installment of the series about Reverend G and her battle with Alzheimer’s.
And because it’s launch day, RJ is offering a free copy of Final Grace for Reverend G to one winner. See below for contest details.
RJ Thesman writes as a daughter whose mother is disappearing into the shadows of Alzheimer’s disease. Her hope is that caregivers and readers everywhere will find hope in the story of Reverend G.
Thesman is a certified life coach, a biblical counselor and a Stephen Minister. She works as program director for GateWay of Hope, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help hurting women. She lives in the heartland of Kansas with her son and an elderly cat. For more on RJ visit RJThesman.net
Why did you write Final Grace for Reverend G?
This novel was the culmination of the Reverend G series. I knew going in – while writing the first book – exactly how the last book would end. It was also a projected story for the situation in my own family – as our mother bravely marches through Alzheimer’s.
In the book, you say “With all due respect, doctor, my mother and I discussed life-prolonging procedures several years ago. In fact, we wrote it down in her will and last wishes documents. She specifically does not want any life-saving procedures that would force her to live longer with Alzheimer’s.” Why do you feel that way?
This scene was taken literally from the situation we faced with my mother. She needed a pacemaker and before we could even discuss it fully – the decision was made and Mom was wheeled into surgery. But complications set in, her dementia worsened and that was the turning point for moving her out of her home. Several nights later, in the hospital, my mother had a lucid moment and told me she did not want the pacemaker put in. In retrospect, what we did was condemn her to more years of Alzheimer’s instead of letting her heart finally just wear out. This is why it is so important that our family members know exactly what types of life-saving procedures we want and that no matter how emotional the situation is, we don’t waver from that decision.
What’s the most important thing readers will learn from Final Grace for Reverend G?
Hopefully, they will learn that even within Alzheimer’s, we all have a part to play in the kingdom. God has a good plan for us no matter how long we live or what quality of life we enjoy. And I hope my readers continue to enjoy the story as it enfolds and ends.
When do you write? Is it easier to write in the morning or at night?
I prefer to write in the mornings, but I work another job – so I write after I get home at night. On the weekends, I use as many hours as possible to work on my writing. And that gives me great joy.
What advice do you have for writers concerning finding and gaining a publisher?
I’m partial to CrossRiver Media because they have been so professional, so efficient and yet they care about what the author thinks about book design and text. Probably the best way these days to find a publisher is to attend writers’ conferences where publishers are actively looking for authors.
What did you know going into the publishing process that helped you the most?
I’ve been writing professionally for over 40 years, so I know the drill. But the important thing to remember is to stay on top of the latest updates. Go to conferences and writers’ meetings, study your craft, follow some writing blogs, read, read, read and write, write, write. Don’t get bogged down by all the marketing but focus on 2 or 3 different social media and learn them well. Guard your heart by staying within the creative process and enjoying the art of putting words on the page.
Great advice, RJ. It’s so easy to get sidetracked and bogged down with the marketing aspect. After all, if we don’t market, we don’t sell. But trying to work every social media channel is a huge mistake.
Do you have a question for RJ? Leave your questions or comments in the box below.
Get book 1 The Unraveling of Reverend G e-book for free, and book 2 Intermission for Reverend G e-book for $3.99. Today, Aug. 21, is your last opportunity to get books 1 & 2 at these prices.
*Final Grace for Reverend G* Contest
Can you answer these questions about the Reverend G books 1 & 2? The reader who answers the most questions correctly by September 1, 2015, will receive a free copy of Final Grace for Reverend G. Send your answers to Rebecca [at] RJThesman.net. RJ will contact you directly if you are the winner.
- What graduate degrees did Reverend G earn?
- What is Reverend G’s favorite dessert?
- What is her favorite ice cream?
- How does Reverend G usually wear her hair?
- What is Reverend G’s favorite vacation city?
- How did Reverend G’s husband die?
- What was his name?
- Who is Reverend G’s cat?
- What breed is he?
- What is the name of the assisted living facility where Reverend G lives?
About *Final Grace for Reverend G*
Even as Reverend G moves into the final stages of Alzheimer’s she manages to find ways to bring encouragement and humor to the residents of Cove Creek. The cast of characters at the assisted living facility widens around her, even as her world continues to shrink. All the while, the disease begins to rob Reverend G of precious memories and her words. Once worried about forgetting God, as she nears the end of her battle with Alzheimer’s, Reverend G discovers grace in His promise to never forget her.
Available at CrossRiver Media and Amazon.
About CrossRiver Media
CrossRiver Media Group is a Christian publishing company based in western Kansas. Founded in 2010, CrossRiver publishes books and other materials that help Christians in their daily walk with the Lord. It has grown to cover several genres – non-fiction, fiction, children, Bible study, and Christian living and includes winners of the CSPA Book of the Year, SELAH Award, and Grace Awards.
