THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

Book: Her Sanctuary
By: P.Q. Glisson
Overview:
Shannon Mallory was a woman on the run….not from outside forces but from her own wounded heart. When she pulled up into the parking lot of The Last Resort Café, in the town of Sanctuary, little did she know she would find the one thing she never even knew she was searching for….true love.


Seth Proudfoot wasn’t looking for anything, except an end to his miserable existence. Accused of a crime he couldn’t remember committing, he was ostracized by a town that, ironically, bore the name of the one thing he could never find….Sanctuary.

When the two meet, neither can ignore the magnetic pull between them, but will Shannon allow her damaged spirit to trust a man…a man who may have murdered his own family?

Though Shannon is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, it is her spirit that breaks down the iron-clad shield around his heart. Their desire burns hotter than the Arizona desert, threatening to melt the very mountains that loom like silent Gods above their heads. But can their love survive a betrayal that could very well cost them both their lives

Bio:
P.Q. Glisson is a native of Savannah, Georgia. She is an avid fan of romance novels
She lives with her daughter and husband of 28 years.
This is her first novel.

email: [email protected]
Blog: hersanctuarybypqglisson.blogspot.com

How long did it take you to write this first novel?
was it something you thought about for a long time before finally doing?

Hi P.Q. Glisson! Very interesting bio! I find the setting intriguingly called Sanctuary. It has a feel of foreshadowing. Also I think it is an excellent choice considering the story of your book. How did you arrive at the decision to name the town "Sanctuary". Does my thoughts about the setting coincides with your own or is it simply a natural fit for the story? Lastly, who is your favorite author of romance novels?

Rick wrote: "How long did it take you to write this first novel?
was it something you thought about for a long time before finally doing?"
Hi Rick,
It took me about eight months. I had gotten laid off my job and therefore could devote 100% of my time to writing. Sometimes I would write for hours on end without stopping, often skipping lunch in the process.
As far as the thought process, it came to me while my daughter and I were brainstorming ideas for stories. We started to co-write the book together but by the end of the first chapter, she had gone off on another idea and started writing one of her own, so I took the reins, so to speak, and just kept on writing. I soon found that the words were coming so quickly I couldn't type fast enough. Call it divine inspiration, but the thoughts just kept coming. Before I knew it eight months had gone by I'd written over 300 pages.

Brian wrote: "Hi P.Q. Glisson! Very interesting bio! I find the setting intriguingly called Sanctuary. It has a feel of foreshadowing. Also I think it is an excellent choice considering the story of your book. H..."
Hey Brian, Well, in the story Shannon is looking for a safe place, a "sanctuary" if you will, and Seth, though he lives outside the town of Sanctuary, his guilt prevents him from finding "his" sanctuary. Through the story we find that real sanctuary is only found in love, the love they discover for one another. It seemed a natural choice to name a town that was anything but safe, filled with prejudice and hate, but is redeemed because of Shannon and the love she has found in the most unlikely of places.
Hmmm, my favorite romance author. That's a hard one. The very first romance book I ever read was "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss. (I hope I spelled that right) She drew me into the story from the very first page. Now I would have to say Eugenia Riley. I absolutely love the humor mixed with a fair amount of physical attraction, and let's not forget time travel. Her books are just plain entertaining.
Thanks for your questions. If you have anymore, I would be happy to answer them.

Very interesting! Most of us need a little "sanctuary" in our lives. I can relate to real sanctuary found in love. Too many people find what they think is happiness in many other ways, like money, power and fame for example. The reality is many of those who seek comfort in the material world are not happy and have no true friends as many musicians have stated and movie stars to. A story like yours would appeal to many readers. Your ideas flow very quickly as I noticed in an above post and you venture into what may be called a writing spree. How much editing did your book need? Eight months is a short duration to write a book, many famous authors sometimes release a book every couple of years. Remarkable, you must have a vivid imagination. Would I be correct in that assumption?

Well thanks Brian. Editing, wow, now that was a daunting task! I used a self-publishing company so I had to do my own editing. (or pay extra) I must have read my book cover to cover at least six times, taking one sentence at a time. Rearranging, substituting words, it was very difficult but I guess because I was so ignorant of the writing and editing process that I didn't know to be nervous and worried. Oh, don't get me wrong, there are minor errors still, but people who've read it and reviewed it have never made mention of the errors. They just seem to love the story.
I had no idea there were people out there who literally work years on just one book. I was talking to a woman who is writing a book about horse back riding. She told me she's been working on it for fifteen years!! Fifteen years?!! I honestly don't think I could stay interested, more likely I would've chunked it out the window by now. lol
I am currently working on two more novels simultaneously (you can peruse my profile and check them out now that we are friends) and have outlines for two more after that. So yes, I guess I do have a pretty vivid imagination. I tend to dream in full stories too. My dreams will sometimes have a beginning, middle and end. I get most of my ideas right before I drift off to sleep.
Hmmm, writing spree? Is that what you call it? Most people I know just call it diarrhea of the mouth. lol
I talk like that too. hee hee

facinating that "the words just started coming"
so did you use an outline or basically let the story write itself
also how did you come up with characters/ were any based on those you knew? no names neccessary if yes!

No, I didn't have an outline. I didn't even know what an outline was until I was visiting and my brother-in-law mentioned it. (He'd taken writing classes in college) I had to ask him what it was. Seriously, that's how ignorant I was at the time.
The characters weren't based on anyone I knew personally. I came up with Seth because I had the idea to write a love story between a half breed Native American and a white woman. Shannon was based on what I've always wanted to look like. I have strawberry blond hair (well my natural color is anyway) but I've never been able to grow it long without getting frustrated and cutting it all off. lol
It has natural wave but I've always wanted it to be curly waves. My body would probably look like hers if I lost about thirty pounds. I wanted her to be a typical american woman, not some skin and bones model type. Her eyes, well, I actually have light blue eyes but back in the late 80's when colored contacts came out, I bought a pair that made my eyes look turquoise. I got lots of curious looks from strangers. It kinda freaked them out I guess. So I guess you could say that Shannon is a more attractive version of me.

Really? That is extraordinary. Dreams are an extension of our subconscious. I do not believe in dream analysis. Mainly that everything is symbolized. I do believe our dreams can give us answers that are difficult to solve when we are awake and ideas of a creative nature. How long have you had that ability? I to have thoughts with characters and places I have never seen, the misty time just before sleep. That being the case, you must have a writing pad somewhere close by? As most of us had great imaginations while being a child is there anything that you can think of to attribute your unusual imagination? Something that you enjoy besides writing perhaps? Very fascinating. I would not be worried about minor mistakes in editing, it is obvious to me that you are a good story writer. One of the criteria I think about when evaluating a book for a review is the ability of an author to relate a good story. As you can tell I am excited that you mentioned dreaming (or close to it) as a writing tool. I read a few books about dreams, just can not remember their names.

secondary characters and sub-plots always facinate me- when writing the book- how did you keep track of the secondary characters- as well as any sub-plots - to insure that none were overloooked- as was the case in a book I recently read-

Thanks Brian,
I've had it as far back as I can remember. I don't have a pad by the bed, maybe I should get one? I just make an effort to remember them, going over and over in my head the very next morning until I can sit down and type it into my computer. (my handwriting is atrocious)
When I was a teenager and my friends and I would get together for a slumber party, they would always badger me to make up stories, usually ones where Donny Osmond or David Cassidy was in town for a concert and they would bump into us "accidentally" and fall madly in love with us. It was juvenile but we had a blast. Even after all these years they mention it now and again. I also used to draw a little but just within the last two years I started painting with acrylics. You can view them on my link:
photobucket.com/phyllis959
Oh, and I can't tell you how many times I was called down for "daydreaming" in class. My mind was always wandering in all different directions. Maybe I would be considered A.D.D. by today's standards. I never made good grades in school but I somehow managed to pass by the skin of my teeth!
I've never read any books on dreams. I saw a pamplet one time that quickly evaluated elements in dreams. Snakes mean you have enemies, a birth means a death and visa versa but not necessarily a physical death. I don't remember much else.
Wow, your questions are really indepth. I love it!

That is awesome, painting with acrylics. You are able to express your ideas and emotions in another creative way. Your thoughts of dreams and daydreaming in school is so similar to myself. I have written much poetry over the years and inspiration derives from some unusual events sometime. Once in a daydream state sprawled out on the floor listening to "Queen", two lines just came out of nowhere that sounded good. I immediately found a pen and paper, twenty minutes later a poem was written from those two lines. I am certainly glad I am not in elementary school for much of the time what is deemed in need of treatment for A.D.H.D. is just the restlessness of youth and the daydreamers in class like me. From your above post would you agree that being asked to tell stories as a teenager helped immensely in writing your book? That is valuable practice for sure!

Same here Rick, I am amused by secondary plots and subplots. Especially if an author excels at using them as a writing tool. It is prolific in the book I am reading, "Gardens Of The Moon". Their is the main conquest, then there is games within games, within those games.

Rick wrote: "secondary characters and sub-plots always facinate me- when writing the book- how did you keep track of the secondary characters- as well as any sub-plots - to insure that none were overloooked- as..."
Whoa Rick, that is an excellent question. I wish I had an excellent answer. As I said before, I didn't have an outline. When it came to the sub-characters and sub-plot I wish I could say that I thought long and hard about them, but alas, I cannot. (puts back of hand against forehead) Really, I added what I thought was needed for the storyline to progress. Shannon was such a nurturing soul that she drew people close to her and unfortunately, danger finds her as well. The story just unfolded as I typed. I can't explain it any better than that.
There is one element in the book that just sorta got dropped. There's this part where Seth is carving a small figurine of a pheonix for Shannon. The bird symbolizes her rising from the ashes, but I never wrote where he actually gave it to her. It just sorta slipped by me. Too bad, it would've made for an interesting page or two. I can even close my eyes and see it hanging from the rearview mirror of her SUV in the epilogue, but hey, since my fans are screaming for a sequel, maybe it's not too late to incorporate it into the story, that is if I ever do write a sequel. I kinda thought it was concluded, but who knows, maybe later on down the road?
Irene and Paddy, the owners of "The Last Resort Cafe'" are pretty much the parents Shannon always wished she had and Seth is sorta like their adopted son. Millie is the epitamy of the bleached blond bombshell, ex-waitress turned receptionist with a heart of gold. And then there's Joseph. Well, we won't even go there. You are just going to have to read the book!

Brian wrote: "That is awesome, painting with acrylics. You are able to express your ideas and emotions in another creative way. Your thoughts of dreams and daydreaming in school is so similar to myself. I have w..."
I totally agree with you about the A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. Do you know, they tried to say my daughter was A.D.D. in second grade. I told them they didn't know anything and I wasn't going to put my daughter on any medications. She has an incredible creative mind and I will not stunt it with drugs! She is in college now, making the Dean's List! Take that public school system!
I most assuredly believe that story telling when I was younger infused my imagination.
I looked at it kinda like Santa Claus. When I was young I believed anything was possible but then I grew up and my creative side took a back seat to my career and my family. When events caused me to re-evaluate my purpose in life, I became still and allowed a peace to come over me. It didn't come without a little self-deprecation (God I hope I spelled that right) and a good bout of depression. lol
I'm not one to wallow, so I started looking for ways to make ME matter, you know? That's when I took up painting and eventually, writing.

We think the same in ideology, I feel I have stopped growing as a person if I am perfectly content with the status quo. So I too never lost the will to find ways to improve myself and my life in general. Yes, here in Timmins, Ont., teachers are constantly trying to convince parents that their children need medication. What they really want is to have elementary students calm all the time. Perhaps, the teachers need better skill and understanding. As a step-dad I observed one class with half the children on Ritalin. That causes a downward impact as other students will beat them up for it. I am sure if I was in elementary school today they would try the same thing. I enjoy finding ways to use my creative mind..outlets.

Yes Brian, I totally agree. It seems like the school system does want to medicate our kids and why shouldn't they? We've cut the number of teachers in the schools and increased the number of kids in the classes. It's a catch 22. How can the teachers take control of an over crowded classroom unless the kids are drugged? I still don't believe in meds for unruly kids. I think they should take some of that money the President is throwing out and put it towards hiring more teachers and having more creative outlets for the kids. More art programs, athletic programs, reading and writing programs and let's not forget music programs. A happy kid is a productive kid, right?

Interesting perspective! The whole school system is on the verge of collapse. Here in Canada, much the same, overcrowded classrooms. I despised the mandated curriculum in the 1980's. It is much worse today where the government tells teachers EXACTLY what to teach in order to push students toward projected employment needs in the coming 5-10 years. Individualism has been removed and some schools have brought back mandatory uniforms, no different than prison. At least when I was in high school I first read some great authors books. Classic literature is now deemed unnecessary and a waste of teaching! It is very hard to be a happy kid when even extracurricular activities are abolished. It would be more accurate to demand better for the students than blame the teachers after a little reflection and your comments. Actually, you could not pay me enough to do their jobs or if so because of the stress factor much more than they do. I know many good former teachers who quit teaching due to complete government control.

Very true. All I can say is that I'm so glad my daughter is out of high school! I feel for the young parents who have to struggle with the bureaucracy of the school system today. No wonder parents are starting to home school their kids. Teachers actually run in my family. My sister is a teacher, my sister-in-law and several of my cousins and my cousins wives. They certainly don't do it for the money. They have a genuine desire and passion for teaching. My sister-in-law teaches children with learning disabilities and my sister teaches second grade. But they and I believe that teachers and military are the two most underpaid professions in America today. I whole-heartedly agree.

If I was a parent I would consider home schooling as a real viable alternative. That is great that your sister-in-law teaches children with learning disabilities. I was a Board of Director and a strong advocate pertaining to the teaching, social, and employment aspects of people with disabilities. Also on several fund raising committees for events to enhance their standard of living. A very enjoyable experience for me.

That's great.
My mom always wondered why I didn't become a teacher. No surprise, all you have to do is look at my report card. lol
Like I said, Not a good student.

as a quasi-teacher- (Substitute) tho I have a Masters in Education and have taught full time- I can tell you that teachers now teach for the FCAT in Florida- the test that determines the school grade, funding ect- there is very little if any attention paid to the arts and literature- I dont blame the teachers- but I long for the day when education meant producing a well rounded student- not one programmed to take a test

AMEN!!!
Thank you Rick!!

Rick wrote: "as a quasi-teacher- (Substitute) tho I have a Masters in Education and have taught full time- I can tell you that teachers now teach for the FCAT in Florida- the test that determines the school gra..."

I couldn't agree more. I was an elementary school librarian for 31 years and was appalled one day when a grad student working with a student came up and asked me where she could find material on Michelangelo. She thought his name was Michael Angelo and couldn't find anything! I couldn't fathom how she could have wound up in graduate school without ever having at least a basic knowledge of one of the greatest artists of all time. And that was years ago - I wonder what kind of liberal arts education college students are getting now. They certainly aren't getting much in public schools.

Now that's scary!
So Peg, did you have any questions you wanted to ask about my book?

Sorry - haven't read it yet. I'll get back to you...

It's okay. It's not required that you read it. Check out the previous questions and answers.

P.Q. wrote: "It's okay. It's not required that you read it. Check out the previous questions and answers."

It's not the type of book I usually read, but I checked it out on Amazon (5 stars) and decided to order it. It should be here on Wednesday.

Hey Peg!! That is awesome!! It's not your typical romance novel so I hope with all my heart you absolutely love it!! Please feel free to add me as a friend and become a fan. I'll do the same for you!
Again, thanks!!

Have you read any Tony Hillerman- while his books were more mystery- he seemed to have an innate understanding of Native American culture

I've read them all, except the last one - since he passed away, I haven't been able to bring myself to read that one. I guess it's just knowing that there won't be any more. He was a wonderful man (I just met him once, at a book signing) and an excellent writer. You're right -they're much more than mysteries. They open a door into a world that most of us have never seen.

I will definitely have to check out his books. I was at the library today but they didn't have much of a selection, plus I can't ever seem to remember the authors of the books I'm looking for or else I ask at the desk and they don't have it "at this library, but we can order it and it should be here in a few days". AWKKKK!! I hate waiting, you know? So I picked up one that has to be turned back in and bought two for a total of $1.50. That's right, 2 books for a buck fifty. One hardback one paperback. CRAZY!

P.Q. wrote: "I will definitely have to check out his books. I was at the library today but they didn't have much of a selection, plus I can't ever seem to remember the authors of the books I'm looking for or el..."
Is your library on the internet? I order books online, they send me an email when they have it and all I have to do is go pick me up. What a convenience for a handicapped senior citizen.

I think they are, but it's kinda archeic (sorry so tired I can't spell for shite) lol
Little bitty town. You would be embarrassed!

P.Q. wrote: "I think they are, but it's kinda archeic (sorry so tired I can't spell for shite) lol
Little bitty town. You would be embarrassed!"

In many places, little bitty towns are networking with each other other, so provide more resources with less money. Check it out, and/or push for it.

Thanks, will do.

try this link
10,000 plus unabridged books- classics- easy to download -all free- these are all pre- 1950 books- but include all the greats- Dickens, Trollope, GB Shaw ect

http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/

Thanks Rick! I have a lot of books to read but I will get to it, sometime in the near future. lol :)

Rick wrote: "Have you read any Tony Hillerman- while his books were more mystery- he seemed to have an innate understanding of Native American culture"

Hillerman was superb. I've read all the Chee and Leaphorn series as well as some of his non-fiction. The one I haven't read is Finding Moon, his Southeast Asia adventure tale. I have it in my TBR stack.

PQ
Do you feel that the Native American is now portrayed more accurately in literature? It is easy to say that we are more sensitive now- but James Feenimore Cooper portrayed them in a very insightful fashion

P.Q. wrote: "Thanks Rick! I have a lot of books to read but I will get to it, sometime in the near future. lol :)"

I especially love the books where Chee and Leaphorn work together!

Rick wrote: "PQ
Do you feel that the Native American is now portrayed more accurately in literature? It is easy to say that we are more sensitive now- but James Feenimore Cooper portrayed them in a very insigh..."
I honestly don't know the answer to that question. I haven't seen very many books about Native Americans that haven't portrayed them circling the wagons. The most up to date portrayal is in the Twilight books but I have always found the beauty of them exceptional and their gentleness of spirit calming. They are deeply rooted in tradition which seems to be dying out for most other races.

Thank you Nanette! I so hope you enjoy it. Just remember, it is a romance novel so there' lots of love scenes. The chemistry between the main characters is electric and hot. Not erotica, but very sensual. Plus it has an element of danger and mystery. There's even a twist I don't think you'll see coming. Shhhh! Can't tell!

Then all I can say is.....ENJOY!!!