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Guest Post with C.J. Darlington, author of Bound by Guilt & Giveaway
March 23rd, 2011
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.
Filed under Guest Posts | Comments (92)
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.
Sounds like a great book! Beautiful cover!
I am a follower.
Posted on my right sidebar.
forevereading at gmail dot com
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
I hadn't seen this book before, but it sounds interesting.
seknobloch(at)gmail(dot)Com
I follow your blog with GFC as Sandra K321.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Rachelhwallen@gmail.com
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!
Interesting concept for a book. I'd really enjoy this.
I am a follower of your blog.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I have not read any of CJ's books yet. This one sounds great.
I am a follower.
nisethusfarATyahooDOT
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to win this.
I follow on GFC
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
a bibliophile's dream book I feel. I shall look out for this one.
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!
Sounds like a great book!!
I'm a GFC follower
chitchatqueen2005@hotmail.com
Sounds like an interesting book!!
littleone AT shaw DOT ca
GFC follower
littleone AT shaw DOT ca
Thanks for this fascinating giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
This book sounds wonderful! Please include me in the giveaway.
Thanks!
candc320@gmail.com
I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com
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.
This sounds like a wonderful book!
I ama follower
Tweeted here: http://twitter.com/Parakiss25
faefever25@hotmail.com
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
I follow your blog with Google Friends Connect.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted:
http://www.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
Wonderful post! I've always been intrigued by the true stories of those who steal from libraries.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com
Email subscriber and GFC follower.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol[dot]com
This book looks so good.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I am a GFC follower
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Great post!!! Thanks for the chance to win!! I also follow!!
areallibrarian[at]gmail[dot]com
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
This book sounds great! Thanks for hosting a giveaway!
Suzanne
quzy(at)mac(dot)com
Of Course I'm a Follower! On GFC!
Suzanne
quzy(at)mac(dot)com
I Posted your giveaway on my blogs sidebar! You can find it at:
http://www.chickwithbooks.blogspot.com
Suzanne
quzy(at)mac(dot)com
The book sounds like a great story! Please enter me!
dancealert at aol dot com
I'm following through GFC and I'm a subsriber by email!
dancealert at aol dot com
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
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!
Thanks for the giveaway!
im a follower
jessica b
jecca.0104[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks for the opportunity!
I am already a follower, and I also retweeted this on twitter!
kimbers10[at]yahoo[dot]com
twitter.com/kdaze10
What an interesting book!
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com
1. I follow by gfc.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com
2. I follow by gfc.
susanbillietaylor [at] gmail [dot] com
Not only do I want to read this one but I want to get lost in that bookstore in PA!!!!!
1. I follow by Google Reader! the (dot) zealous (dot) reader (at) gmail (dot) com.
Thanks for the giveaway. Looks like a good book!
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
-blog follower via GFC
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com
I would love to read this book. I follow via gfc
tweet http://twitter.com/#!/mamabunny13/status/51665502296211456
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
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.
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!
Count me in please!
billiondollarprincesss@hotmail.com
This book sounds great. Jessy…
hootowl1978 at gmail dot com.
I am a follower through google reader. Jessy.
hootowl1978 at gmail dot com
This book sound's good.
lvlyloka@gmail.com
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
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
I'm a GFC follower. (Melanie L)
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tweet: http://twitter.com/#!/Melanie_2006/status/52586843987918848
peacelily_2006(at)yahoo(dot)com
sounds good.
RJB
loki304(at)tds(dot)net
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
I am also a GFC follower.
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
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.
Sounds like a great read
+1 GFC Follower
mk261274 st gmail dot com
"[...] 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.
What a fantastic Giveaway! Thank you so much!! Enter me please
PelicanJL@hotmail.com
<3 Happy Reading
Patricia @ Patricia's Particularity
+1 GFC Follower
Patricia @ Patricia's Particularity
Books and thieves. Yum.
Follower!
+2 (total)
amy408(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds like a great book. I really want to read this one.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
GFC follower.
melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com
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
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
I follow your blog with the username Bani (Bonnie McAfee)
Tweeted – http://twitter.com/#!/baniclips/status/55583546106068992
I would love to be entered in your draw. Thanks.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow your blog through Google Friend Connect.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow your blog through Google Friend Connect.
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
I tweeted this giveaway.
http://twitter.com/#!/lemonslippers/status/56168455514234881
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
I tweeted this giveaway.
http://twitter.com/#!/lemonslippers/status/56168455514234881
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
I tweeted this giveaway.
http://twitter.com/#!/lemonslippers/status/56168455514234881
wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com
This book would make a great read. I would enjoy it very much. Please enter me. Thanks!
GFC Follower!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
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
I am also a GFC Follower-lknott
lknott@partnercom.net
This sounds like a great book! And I love the cover! Count me in!
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#1 Already follow via GFC (Bornajhawk).
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#2 Already follow via GFC (Bornajhawk).
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#1 Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/56920488886280192
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#2 Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/56920488886280192
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
#3 Tweeted giveaway: http://twitter.com/#!/MamaHendo3/status/56920488886280192
BornajhawkATaolDOTcom
This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
GFC Follower
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/56930844505423872
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#1
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/56930844505423872
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#2
Tweet! Tweet!
@NancyeDavis
http://twitter.com/#!/NancyeDavis/status/56930844505423872
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
#3