3 Year Blogiversary Day 4: Author Mesu Andrews
Wow! Has this week been a blast or what?! I'm loving all the comments you guys are posting and I'm sure the authors do too! Today's VIP is author of Love Amid the Ashes and Love's Sacred Song, Mesu Andrews. Please welcome Mesu and feel free to leave any (nice) comments that you'd like concerning Mesu, her books, writing or even this blog -- we wanna read 'em! Did I mention I'm giving away my copy of Love's Sacred Song? Read on for details. Oh, and ladies please feel free to tell me the cover model chosen as Solomon isn't the best looking guy you've ever clapped eyes on and I will happily debate with you as to why you are wrong! :-P
Could you tell us a little abut yourself for those of us who haven’t had the chance to “meet” you yet?
Most people are curious about my name...it’s a nickname. My given name is “Maralasu”—a concoction of my mom’s creative mind. As a toddler, I couldn’t say my big, long name, so it always came out “Mesu.” That’s what stuck. My ornery husband likes to tell people my parents were missionaries in China...nope. Just a nickname.
I’m married to the man who led me to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. “Dating evangelism,” I think it’s called. *-* We have two grown daughters and have recently acquired two fabulous sons-in-law. We all live in the lovely Pacific Northwest, transplanted in 2007 from the cornfields of Indiana. I’m still a Hoosier at heart when it comes to football (Go Colts!) – sorry, Steeler Girl. Our family LOVES football. I grew up watching Sunday afternoon football, sitting on my dad’s lap, cheering for the Steelers, actually (it was before Indianapolis got a team).
I like pizza and lobster—not at the same meal, please. And I adore my faithful writing companion, Bouzer (the 75 lb. Rotty-pitbull lump of love curled up at my feet).
What do you enjoy most about writing biblical fiction?
I’m totally, hopelessly, irrevocably in love with my God! And biblical fiction gives me the best excuse in the world to delve into the depths of His fascinating Love Letter. When I research the history and study the ancient texts, I discover new things about God’s interaction with real people. THAT sets it apart from typical fiction because we’re dealing with actual people and a Living God. With every new challenge comes a new discovery, and with every new discovery comes a new challenge. It’s fascinating. And exhausting. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Three words to describe your books?
Passionate. Complex. (I hope) Engaging.
If you could collaborate with any author past or present would you and who would it be?
Moses! I want to know how the Lord gave him the Creation story! Don’t you wonder about that? Okay, I don’t suppose that’s the kind of “author” you meant. The Land of Israel is so rich with history and context. I would love to partner with a Messianic Jew who has been trained in the archeology and geography of the Land itself. I’m relying on information I remember from my short visit to Israel in 2000 and from maps, charts, and books. The stories could be so much richer, hold so much more meaning, if I could incorporate more about the Land of Israel as I write. I’m hoping to go back there for a research trip soon.
This is sort of a fun question, I love the cover for Love’s Sacred Song (that Solomon is a hunk!) what were your thoughts when you first saw the cover?
“Hello, Hottie!” (tee-hee) In fact, I think those words came out of my mouth! Ha! Revell does such a fabulous job on my covers. I’m so grateful and blessed. They ask me for some input on age, hair color, facial characteristics, etc.; but for the most part, they choose the models. If your readers would like to get in on a little fun, I’ve got a Pinterest Board called “Character Faces” where I’ve listed a couple of celebs that I might have also been good candidates for Solomon and Arielah. It’s fun to imagine!
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share a bit with your readers! If anyone would like to keep in touch, they can visit my website @ http://www.mesuandrews.com. Or sign up for free weekly e-devotionals @ http://www.mesuandrews.com/deep-o-tionals-2/acts-of-the-apostles/.
A shepherdess in the northern city of Shunem, Arielah has known since she first laid eyes on Solomon that it was her destiny to become his bride. When her father secures a promise from Solomon to marry Arielah as a treaty bride to help unite the kingdom, it seems her dreams will come true.
But how can this simple shepherdess live as part of Solomon's harem? Can Solomon set aside his distractions to give himself completely to just one woman? Or will he let duty, deception, and the daily routine divide his heart?
Order the book HERE
Giveaway time! I'm giving away my gently read copy of Love's Sacred Song to one lucky reader. US residents ages 18+ only. PLEASE READ the complete rules in the giveaway form.
 |
| Mesu |
Most people are curious about my name...it’s a nickname. My given name is “Maralasu”—a concoction of my mom’s creative mind. As a toddler, I couldn’t say my big, long name, so it always came out “Mesu.” That’s what stuck. My ornery husband likes to tell people my parents were missionaries in China...nope. Just a nickname.
I’m married to the man who led me to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. “Dating evangelism,” I think it’s called. *-* We have two grown daughters and have recently acquired two fabulous sons-in-law. We all live in the lovely Pacific Northwest, transplanted in 2007 from the cornfields of Indiana. I’m still a Hoosier at heart when it comes to football (Go Colts!) – sorry, Steeler Girl. Our family LOVES football. I grew up watching Sunday afternoon football, sitting on my dad’s lap, cheering for the Steelers, actually (it was before Indianapolis got a team).
I like pizza and lobster—not at the same meal, please. And I adore my faithful writing companion, Bouzer (the 75 lb. Rotty-pitbull lump of love curled up at my feet).
 |
| Debut Novel: Love Amid the Ashes |
I’m totally, hopelessly, irrevocably in love with my God! And biblical fiction gives me the best excuse in the world to delve into the depths of His fascinating Love Letter. When I research the history and study the ancient texts, I discover new things about God’s interaction with real people. THAT sets it apart from typical fiction because we’re dealing with actual people and a Living God. With every new challenge comes a new discovery, and with every new discovery comes a new challenge. It’s fascinating. And exhausting. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
Three words to describe your books?
Passionate. Complex. (I hope) Engaging.
If you could collaborate with any author past or present would you and who would it be?
Moses! I want to know how the Lord gave him the Creation story! Don’t you wonder about that? Okay, I don’t suppose that’s the kind of “author” you meant. The Land of Israel is so rich with history and context. I would love to partner with a Messianic Jew who has been trained in the archeology and geography of the Land itself. I’m relying on information I remember from my short visit to Israel in 2000 and from maps, charts, and books. The stories could be so much richer, hold so much more meaning, if I could incorporate more about the Land of Israel as I write. I’m hoping to go back there for a research trip soon.
This is sort of a fun question, I love the cover for Love’s Sacred Song (that Solomon is a hunk!) what were your thoughts when you first saw the cover?
“Hello, Hottie!” (tee-hee) In fact, I think those words came out of my mouth! Ha! Revell does such a fabulous job on my covers. I’m so grateful and blessed. They ask me for some input on age, hair color, facial characteristics, etc.; but for the most part, they choose the models. If your readers would like to get in on a little fun, I’ve got a Pinterest Board called “Character Faces” where I’ve listed a couple of celebs that I might have also been good candidates for Solomon and Arielah. It’s fun to imagine!
Thanks so much for giving me the opportunity to share a bit with your readers! If anyone would like to keep in touch, they can visit my website @ http://www.mesuandrews.com. Or sign up for free weekly e-devotionals @ http://www.mesuandrews.com/deep-o-tionals-2/acts-of-the-apostles/.
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| Sophomore book: Love's Sacred Song |
About the book:
Standing in the shadow of his famous father, young King Solomon wavers between fear and bravado, longing for a love that is true and pure--a love that can be his cornerstone.A shepherdess in the northern city of Shunem, Arielah has known since she first laid eyes on Solomon that it was her destiny to become his bride. When her father secures a promise from Solomon to marry Arielah as a treaty bride to help unite the kingdom, it seems her dreams will come true.
But how can this simple shepherdess live as part of Solomon's harem? Can Solomon set aside his distractions to give himself completely to just one woman? Or will he let duty, deception, and the daily routine divide his heart?
Order the book HERE
Giveaway time! I'm giving away my gently read copy of Love's Sacred Song to one lucky reader. US residents ages 18+ only. PLEASE READ the complete rules in the giveaway form.
Happy Reading!!!
Great interview, Renee and Mesu!! loved your answers, Mesu! thanks for sharing the story behind your name, so cute! this book sounds amazing, thanks for the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteblessings, Kara
Kara! Thanks for stopping by. :-)
DeleteXOXO~ Renee
Thanks so much, Kara! Renee made it fun, eh? No wonder this blog has been going gangbusters for 3 years! ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Mesu! Thank you for visiting today. I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to blog here with me today. :-)
DeleteXOXO~ Renee
King Solomon oh sounds like a wonderful book thanks
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! ;)
DeleteThank you for stopping by! Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteXOXO~ Renee
This book looks amazing. Looking forward to getting a copy to read. Amy
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by! :-)
DeleteXOXO~ Renee
I absolutely LOVE reading biblical fiction! It's so much fun spending time with people I've basically grown up with and getting to really think about their day to day lives. Love's Sacred Song sounds fantastic (HELLO Solomon!) and can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about biblical fiction, Liz! These real people of history are so fascinating as I research and discover more about their lives and cultures. It's a joy and privilege to do something I love and share it with those who love it too! I hope you enjoy Love's Sacred Song! Blessings!
DeleteHi, Renee! :) Life has been pretty busy here and I'm a bit behind reading blogs but I wanted to pop in and say Congratulations on three years!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI do believe I have Love Amid Ashes on my Kindle and hope to read it soon..looks really good. :)
I typically stay away from Biblical Fiction these days, but I'm VERY curious about this one!
ReplyDeleteMesu's first book was VERY good, and this one looks ten times better (if that's possible)! :o)
ReplyDeleteHi Angie! Glad to hear you've got Love Amid the Ashes, too! Thanks so much, Christy, for the vote of confidence! ;) Bluerose, I hope you'll give biblical fiction a try...and maybe chose some favorite bib. fic. authors that you trust to do authentic research. Check with some of these faithful readers to get their opinions!
ReplyDeleteWow guys sorry I missed you all yesterday! I'm so glad you were able to stop by and "visit" with Mesu! I loved the book and hope you do too! Off to draw a winner soon! ;-)
ReplyDeleteXOXO~ Renee