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18 March 2012

9!!! New Books Contracted for Interviewee - Kim Vogel Sawyer




Kim Vogel Sawyer is the author of Song of My Heart and of twenty-two other titles, including My Heart Remembers and the Sommerfeld Trilogy.


I met Kim through ACFW. She was the registration desk coordinator and as the ACFW Mid-Atlantic Zone Director I asked our zone members to volunteer (many did, as I did, also!)  

Kim, welcome to Overcoming Through Time.  Would you share either the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most tragic situation or circumstance one of your character’s has had to get past?
My biggest challenge is one that is intensely personal. Because of something I faced as a child, I carried a tremendous burden of shame well into adulthood. When one views herself as tainted, that view can skew everything else. To “rise above” the ugliness, I tried to be “perfect.” Well, as we know, that isn’t a possible goal for any of us, so continual failures broke me down and severely affected my physical health. 


It’s very difficult to share the entire story in a short format, but in 2004, God led a wonderful woman named Ruth to take me by the hand, lead to me a prayer room, and ask her daughter Brandilyn to pray for me. I intended for them to pray for my physical health--I had six chronic illnesses that left me in constant pain and dependent on a cane. Instead, God revealed to Brandilyn the source of my illnesses: an emotional burden that was literally eating me alive from the inside-out. When she asked God to drive the shame from me, not only did my feelings of worthlessness lift, but all of my physical illnesses fled, as well. Now part of my ministry is reaching out to women with similar burdens, assuring them of their great value in God’s eyes and reminding them the shame is not theirs to carry.

What is your favorite Bible verse and why? 
Phil. 4:4-8 are my “life verses”--there’s so much wisdom for living in those scripture. My favorite of these is verse 8, “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.” I believe if I follow that direction, I will fill myself with the thing of which God approves and have a better opportunity to reflect Him to those around me.

Disability friendliness: 
Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio? 
All of my historical novels are available on audio, Kindle, and also large-print editions through subsidiary publishers. Many of my contemporaries are being made available through Kindle and large-print, as well. 

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why? 
With every new manuscript, I begin with the same prayer: God, reveal Yourself and Your Son through the story. My hope is so strongly imbedded in who I am to Him (His child!) and who He is to me (my Savior! my Peace and Comforter and Friend!). My most fervent wish is that my stories will not only entertain but will edify and perhaps move the reader toward a closer walk in his or her relationship to God through Christ Jesus.
 
As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart? 
In Song of My Heart, the heroine has the desire to be an opera singer, so I did a lot of research on popular songs of the era and on community programs. The thing that really pleased me is how many of these events included hymns--songs meant to show God’s sovereignty and power. At community events--not church-sponsored events! At events intended to entertain! In a way it made me sad, seeing how much opinion concerning “religious tones” have changed in the past 100 years; in another, it was refreshing to know how people enjoyed hearing God’s name praised through song.


Newest Releases: SONG OF MY HEART, Bethany House; A SEEKING HEART, Hendrickson
Coming Soon: WHEN HOPE BLOSSOMS, Bethany House; A HEART SURRENDERS, Hendrickson



KIM JUST GOT A 9 BOOK CONTRACT WITH WATERBROOK MULTNOMAH!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Kim Vogel Sawyer books are available through AmazonCBDBarnes and Noble, and other bookstores.


GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of this author’s books, choice of format.


63 comments:

  1. KIM, thank you so much for being with us this week, and for sharing your moving testimony. I know many women will be able to relate (myself included), and my prayer is that they will experience an emotional and physical healing as they read your testimony and leave their shame at the feet of Jesus! Being the daughter of an abusive, alcoholic father I bore the brunt of what should have been HIS shame, on my shoulders for many years. Thank for sharing that lovely scripture as well.

    I have loved your books from the very first one you have ever written, and now I must confess to being a little behind.:( It happens sometimes, when you start reviewing, and I've often said I wish I had two heads when it comes to reading! ;)

    Congrats on the nine book contract! That is awesome, but would surely put me under pressure! How do you think of different stories for so many books?

    Also would you mind sharing with us about, Kim, about the purple? I love that! My sister in law has purple everything, from to the walls in her home, to the flowers in her garden. So when we had a surprise birthday party for her recently, all of us "girls" wore purple. lol

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  2. Thank you KIM for sharing your testimony! I know there are many women that carry around shame. Good of you to share and I hope it will touch those women's hearts.

    Nine book contract! Wow, that's amazing! I guess that's not 9 books in one year, right?

    I have read a couple of your books and especially loved My Heart Remembers.

    I'm from the Netherlands and many of your books are translated into Dutch. Dutch readers love your books!!

    DIANA you make me curious about the purple... :)

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  3. What an amazing testimony, thanks for sharing! I've never read any of Kim's books (nursing school has been torture on reading list) but I've heard great things about them. Thanks for a wonderful interview and giveaway!

    God Bless

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  4. Oops! Probably should have put my email on there!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  5. Congrats Kim on your nine book contract, that sounds like an awesome deal. This is a wonderful interview.

    I have read many of Kim's books and have enjoyed them all! I always look forward to reading more of them :).

    Thank you for the chance to win a book!
    jen.whitney08[at]gmail[dot]com

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  6. LIZ, good for you doing nursing school despite the impact on your reading!!!

    JEN, do you write in that time frame, too? That is a little after my "era" but I am listening to one of Kim's books right now.

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  7. Carrie, I do not write, only read a ton and review books :). But I love to read books in many genres and eras :).

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  8. Wow, a 9 book contract! I've never heard of anyone getting that many books contracted at once! God is smiling down on you, for sure!

    I loved the testimony and know so many people are hurting due to burdens they carry. What a blessing to have someone step out in love to prayer over you and be a conduit for God's healing for you.

    Blessings!

    sherrinda (at) gmail (dot) com

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  9. This is cool because this is the NINTH comment for our post on the 9 Book contract winner who I only learned this about last week. We already had Kim scheduled for this week.

    I am curious how many months apart they will be. Can you tell us Kim? I am guessing six.

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  10. Congratulations, Kim! I'm guessing from Carrie's announcement about the 9 books that is almost unheard of. But, they must know a gifted author when they see one :)

    Thank you for sharing about shame. It is a terrible burden to carry and only Jesus can lift it from us! Praise the Lord for his redeeming work on the cross!

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  11. Kim, thank you for sharing your heart and touching mine. Congratulations on your 9 book contract, it is exciting to know that I have many of your wonderful books to look forward to!
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  12. JEN, oopsies - I do not like to spread misinformation!!! I stand corrected - you are a reader not a writer and you like all types of books. I do know you love all kinds of historicals esp. the ones we like!

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  13. Hello, everyone, and THANK YOU for your comments! I appreciate the congratulations very much--I am still a little awed by the new contract.

    The nine books will release over a three-year period, the first releasing in fall of 2013 and every four to five months thereafter. So I will definitely be busy over the next few years! But ideas are never a problem. I have so many "people" living in my head, eager to share their stories, I could stay busy until I'm 92. And I hope I get to! LOL

    As for the purple...purple is the color of royalty. It reminds me I'm a daughter of the King. As a child I loved purple but never wore it because it was "too pretty" for someone like me. Now I wear it as my declaration of freedom. :o)

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  14. Congrats, Kim!!!!!! Can't wait to see what you will write - I just love your books and your posts on FB!!!!!
    Would love to win a book!!!!!!!

    Dianna Bupp
    dibupp@yahoo.com

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  15. Love that news! More books from a great author.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
    wrensthoughts.blogspot.com

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  16. Congratulations to Kim on the new contract. I love Kim's books -- In Every Heartbeat is my favorite so far -- and look forward to many more.

    Thanks, Kim, for sharing your story. It's so awesome to serve a God who loves us and heals our hurts.

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  17. Thanks for the interview Kim,and for all your great books.Congratulations on your new contract.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com Jackie Tessnair

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  18. It takes a long time to realize that what happens to us as children is NOT our fault. So glad you learned that and have been able to move forward.

    Loretta

    eveningstar888@aol.com

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  19. Kim - Congratulations on your contract! What is it like to change publishers? Is that a difficult transition?
    I have read several of your books and enjoyed them all. Song Bird was a joy to read.
    Thanks for the opportunity to win another one of your books.
    Sharon
    smoore at tcq dot net

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  20. Dianna-What a great name! LOL! I can't wait to see what Kim is going to come up with next either. She is such a versatile writer!

    Wendy-great to see you, girl! More great books!! YAY!

    Southern Gal-I happen to be one of those myself! Please come back and leave an email so you can be entered to win one of Kim's great books!

    Waving at you up there, JACKIE! Good luck in the giveaway!

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  21. Loretta, thank you for coming by. You are so right and sometimes it takes almost a lifetime to realize it. I'm so thankful for Kim's emotional and physical healing! Praise the Lord!

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  22. Thanks for interviewing my favorite author. I'm glad to learn more about her in her own words.

    Kim, congratulations on your new 9-book deal! I think, however, that I'm even more excited to hear of your healing. It's always a blessing to hear of others receiving our Father's blessing of healing. That sense of peace and liberation that comes with that healing always leaves me completely speechless.

    God bless you.

    Andrea Cox
    andrearenee2004 at yahoo dot com

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  23. ANDREA, I love to share the story of my healing, because it allows me to get excited about it all over again. I never want to be like the children of Israel who "forgot" what God had done for them.

    SHARON, changing publishers is bittersweet. It's hard to leave the relationships that have been important to you--in this case, I've done 14 books with my editor...that's a lot of working together and I like her and admire her so much. But it's also exciting to forge new relationships. I'll have the opportunity to grow in different ways, and that's always a good thing. :o)

    LORETTA, your comment is so true--we often assume responsibility for things that aren't ours to carry. This theme is prevalent in Song of My Heart in Thad's character. I truly hope his realization that he can't compensate for someone else's sins will guide a reader to the same recognition. We find freedom when we cast aside those burdens of shame!

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  24. Congratulations, Kim, on your 9 book deal. I enjoy reading your books. I can't wait to read the new ones.
    ldwrncpn@comcast.net

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  25. Congratulations again Kim. Love all your books, as you already know. Can't wait to read the new ones you will be writing. I also love your life scripture, it is something I need to put in front of me to follow each day.
    ckasper49@gmail.com

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  26. Welcome, LORI, and CHERIE! We are all looking forward to Kim's new books, but if you haven't read her latest releases (A Whisper of Peace and Song of My Heart), be sure to read our reviews on them here on OTT this week, and get yourselves a copy!

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  27. Thanks for the interview! Congrats to Kim on the new book contract.
    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  28. You are welcome, PATTY! Thanks for coming by. What a blessing for Kim to get that contract.

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  29. I have been a reader of Kim's book and am so happy for her that she has gotten this contract, I am sure all of her fans will be waiting to read the new books.
    I did not know of her personal tragedy and feel it is a miracle that she has overcome the bad and filled it with good. proud of your courage Kim.
    thanks for sharing this interview and books...
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  30. PAULA, yes, I am proud of Kim, too, for sharing and grateful for God's healing in her life.

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  31. LAURIE, PATTY, and PAULA...thank you for the sweet congratulations. I am very excited and eager to share these new characters with readers. :o)

    CHERIE, it's always good to see you, my friend. Thanks for stopping by!

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  32. I love love love Kim's style of writing. She is definitely my favorite author! Thank you so much for her interview. She is such inspiration! I am looking forward to reading more from her. Congratulations Kim on your on your new contract.
    Amy Campbell

    Campbellamyd@gmail.com

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  33. Congratulations on your contract, Kim. Are you excited, or what?

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  34. KIM, wonderful thought wearing purple because you're a daughter of the King. I think I should wear purple more often. :))

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  35. Great story about the daughter who honed in on the root of your problems. God is good! And congrats BIG TIME on that 9 book deal. Woot-woot!
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  36. AMY, thank you for your kind words--you blessed my heart. :o)

    KIM, yes, I am excited. And a little nervous, too! But I guess that's normal, huh?

    MARIAN, definitely wear purple. We are royalty!

    PEGG, oh yes, God is good beyond our deservings. :o) Thanks for the congratulations.

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  37. Kim, I just started reading Song of My Heart and already love it! I got hooked from the first page...:)

    BTW, I had read and reviewed A Whisper of Peace back in the fall and here is my review for it:
    http://bookreviewsfromabooklover.blogspot.com/2011/10/whisper-of-peace-by-kim-vogel-sawyer.html

    I loved that one as well.

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  38. So happy for you, Kim, though sad for the Bethany House family. I love seeing all the ways God is blessing you--couldn't happen to a nicer or prettier lady. Hugs!

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  39. Maybe that will be you, next JULIE! Wonder if anyone else has sold that many to one company like that, wow!

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  40. 9 books! Awesome. I'm reading Song of My Heart right now and loving it :) Thanks for the interview!

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  41. JEN and FAYE, I'm so glad you're enjoying Song of My Heart. I loved the characters in that story...

    JULIE, I will miss the BHP peeps very, very much. Goodbye isn't easy. :o(

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  42. I just had to stop in here and tell Faye congrats for winning at Julie Klassen's FB party! Wow, a book AND a giftcard, if I'm not mistaken! I was just a little envious. LOL! It was fun...my first FB party and I could hardly keep up.

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  43. What a wonderful testimony - it is amazing the changes that God can bring to our lives if we only open our hearts. I love your stories, Kim - congrats on the new book deal. I look forward to getting more of your books to read

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  44. Thank you, KIM F--I'm thrilled to be able to continue doing what I love.

    Congrats to FAYE, as well. And...I'm inviting everyone to come by my Facebook Author Page this Thursday from 7-8:30 PM (CST) for a party! Nook, books, and lots of gabbing. I hope to see everyone there. :o)

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  45. I love Kim's books and have read most of them (she is very prolific so I can't always keep up). The nine book contract is wonderful; I will have to read faster to keep up! It would be fun to win a copy of "Song of My Heart." Thanks.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  46. I love Kim's books! Thanks for the chance to win one!

    marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

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  47. Hello Kim, I love your Books, I just stared to read "My Heart Remember and I love it already. Your one of my favorite Authors.
    Thanks for the chance to win one of your Books.

    ingrids62448(at) yahoo(dot)com

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  48. What a wonderful article. Congrats on the new contract and what a great testimony. Thanks for all of the great books. You are one of the more frequently checked out authors in our library, so I definately need to win one :)

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  49. Hello, PAM--good to "see" you here. :o)

    MARISSA and Ingrid, thank you for the kind words! You are appreciated!

    RELUVBE, I'm so glad to know patrons enjoy the books. Please come back and leave your email address so you can be entered in the drawing. :o)

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  50. Congrats Kim on your nine book contract it is well. deserved. Your one of my favorite authors and can never wait for the next one to come out. Good Luck on your future books.

    Thanks for the chance to win Song Of My Heart. I hope to win one so I can read it right off.

    Mary Duff

    missniceguy@hotmail.com

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  51. Please sign me up. I would love to read this book. Congrats on the book deal...wow 9 books.....

    Salena
    srstormo at yahoo dot com

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  52. I would be thrilled to read the book you are giving away. I am always looking for a novel that inspires me. Thank you for this interview. It is timely and poignant.

    Ann
    McWrite2u@sbcglobal.net

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  53. Congratulations Kim! God is so good. I would love to win your book.

    mafinnegan(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  54. So Happy for you, Kim!! That is three sets of historical fiction?? Thank you for your interview. Important verses in my life; Lamentations 2:13,14, my paraphase: It is necessary for your inequity to be exposed to release you from captivity. How true that was in my life that the Lord revealed truth to me: "I cannot forgive myself." Revealed truth: I can not. Jesus already has. I am so thankful for Him and all He has done for me!
    Enter me in your drawing please!! Happy packing days for you! Offer still holds to unload you of some of your library, lol.
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  55. Print book for me, I forgot to mention.
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  56. Kim-Congrats on your new contract! Wow! We have nine more books to enjoy....I've read several of your books and loved them!

    Carrie-Thanks for this giveaway and the chance to win.

    seventysevensusieq[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  57. MARY, SALENA, MELISSA, "LANE HILL HOUSE," and SUSIEQ--thank you so much for the kind congratulations. I'm very excited to get busy on this new contract, and I'm eager to share the stories with all of you.

    LANE HILL HOUSE, the contract is for six stand-alone historicals and three themed contemporary (meaning they're a series that can be read in any order). :o)

    ANN, I'm glad the post was timely for you. I love it when the Holy Spirit speaks.

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  58. I am just so tickled that KIM's latest release is already available for download through audible.com and I just got it!!! After Teresa's awesome review I have to read it (listen to it)!

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  59. Thanks for being transparent about your childhood trauma and how it affected your health. It is amazing how our mind and soul can have so much influence over our physical beings. And even more amazing is the healing God gave you through two women who cared enough to pray with you.

    Linda B. Greer
    www.spiritualheartbeats.blogspot.com

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  60. LINDA, I'm amazed at how much emotional issues can affect us physically. It breaks my heart for those who are trapped in a physically pain-riddled body as a result of internal pain. I truly wish every person could find the freedom I have...and I will pray continually for healing for those suffering the long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse.

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  61. I'd love to try one of Kim's books!
    kharwell[at]gmail[dot]com

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  62. i would love to read this novel...thanks :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  63. Congrats to Mary Duff, our winner of her book of choice by Kim Vogel Sawyer. Thank you everyone for being with us this week, and a special thanks to Kim, for being such a lovely and charming guest!

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