A New Interview with....well, Me!

My friend Allison recently interviewed me for her blog http://thebudgetmaven.com/. She had some really unique and fun questions, as well as a giveaway, which is still going on. So without further ado, I give you Allison and me...

A lost fortune, a scandalous past, and a broken heart. It’s the perfect storm for former belle of the ball, Constance Cavendish. Now broke, Constance is forced to work for the same man who jilted her years before in order to provide for her family. Like Gossip Girl in petticoats, Love in Three-Quarter Time delivers all the drama, romance, and poignancy readers have come to expect from author, Dina Sleiman. Dina joins us today on The Budget Maven to discuss the writing process, her feisty characters, and her upcoming contemporary novel.

Both Love in Three-Quarter Time and your debut novel, Dance of the Dandelion, feature female characters who are fiery, passionate, and free-spirited despite living in a time period when these qualities were seen as quite scandalous. Did you find it hard to navigate these characters around their more demure cultural standards?

That’s an interesting question. I personally get tired of bland vanilla heroines quickly. InDance of the Dandelion, the main character was a peasant, and therefore not expected to live up to all the cultural niceties. In addition, the medieval period was a lustier and grittier time. However, when I switched to a society girl in the Regency Era, I knew the expectations would be different, and so I played with that. Here is a girl who thinks her fiery nature got her into trouble, and so she is repressing it in the beginning of the book. Much of the story is about her finding her true self again and learning to direct those passions toward God. I think that many young Christian women today, especially in more conservative denominations, still deal with the same struggle of thinking they have to repress their true God-given natures. That’s just not true.

Going into Love in Three-Quarter Time what was the research process like?

From a research stance, this was probably the easiest book I’ve written so far. I knew a lot about American history already, and there was plenty of information available about Virginia in the 1800s. The medievals are much harder, and even my contemporary novel required a lot of research into cultural topics and current events. I took a research trip to Charlottesville and Monticello to nail down some of the final details. It was a pleasant three-hour drive from my house, and I really enjoyed it. The area was just how I pictured it in my head. I found a plantation house called Birdwood Pavilion similar to my White Willow Hall exactly where I needed it.

Were there any surprises for your characters that you didn’t see coming initially?

Usually pretty early on in the process I can see the book through clearly until the end, then it is just a matter of trying to type down everything in my head before I lose it. But the minor characters tend to surprise me by really coming alive during the writing process. Sissy and Martha, two young slave women in the book, were characters that caught me off guard by how real they became and how much they added to the story. And Mrs. Beaumont and the twins turned out to be much funnier than I anticipated.

What three songs would be at the top of Constance’s iPod playlist if she taught dance today?

Hmm…I think if she taught dance today she’d probably like cutting-edge music. Think about it, waltz was very cutting-edge in its day. Beyond that, I guess it would depend on whether this is Constance at the beginning or the end of the book. By the end of the book, I think she’d like some cool but spiritual Christian rock. Something with a driving beat like she danced to at the Indian village. So maybe “Lost in You” by Red, “All Around Me” by Flyleaf, and “Never Alone” by BarlowGirl.

Which of your Love in Three-Quarter Time characters are you most like?

I’m kind of a mix of Constance and her sister Patience. I relate with Constance in her love of dance, nature, and that passionate part of her personality. But I also relate with Patience’s academic and scientific side. Overall, I think the Constance at the end of the novel is pretty similar to me, except that I’m not as outgoing as Constance.

For other writers out there, how did the process for writing this book differ from the process for writing your first novel, Dance of the Dandelion?

Love in Three-Quarter Time is the third of four novels I’ve written. And it was the only one I wrote during National Novel Writing Month. I had a solid first draft done in six weeks. I loved just spilling the words on the page without much thought to editing. That process worked really well for me. I hoped I could repeat it with novel number four, but because I kept stopping to edit and write the proposal and synopsis and what not, my creative juices got stopped up a few times along the way, and it ended up taking over four months.

How do you develop such distinct, realistic personalities in your male characters without making them stereotypes? 

I actually have a secret for that. At first I have to wait for the characters to sort of pop to life in my head so that I can get to know them. Once they do, I assign them a Myers-Briggs personality type. For the rest of the book, I use that type to keep them on track. It’s especially helpful for a book like this with three men who have points of view. This way I’m able to keep each one distinct.

What would Constance order at Starbucks?

Something spicy for sure and fun. I’m thinking a cappuccino with pumpkin spice or peppermint flavoring.

One of the many things I love about your novels is the way you so organically weave aspects of faith into your storylines without being preachy or corny. Is that a conscious choice you make as you write each scene, or is it something that just sort of happens?

I have a theory that the more realistic your characters are, the more they have flaws and the more they struggle, the more you earn the right to include a strong spiritual message. I also focus on making the message about an authentic relationship with God and not about morality or religiosity. In this book I actually have Constance studying the Bible for the first time in her life. I wasn’t sure how that would work, but I think her honest struggles and questions with the text ended up really bringing it to life. And I have a lengthy spiritual discussion between her and Lorimer. I was waiting for an editor to tell me to cut it, but I think the unexpected turns in the conversation kept it fresh and vibrant.

If Dandelion Dering (from Dance of the Dandelion) were to meet Constance Cavendish (from Love in Three-Quarter Time), would they get along? What advice would Dandy give to Constance?

Ha ha! That’s an awesome question. I would have to say it would depend on which points in their journeys they met. If they were both fifteen, they would have hated each other. Dandelion would have been painfully jealous of Constance’s pampered lifestyle. She would have related with Constance’s slaves and resented her. Constance on the other hand, would have disdained the grubby peasant girl and been threatened by Dandelion’s beauty. But, by the end of their journeys in their twenties, they would have become fast friends. They would have seen true followers of Christ with similar passionate hearts and a shared love of beauty, music, dance, and nature.

Tell us about your newest project.

My new novel coming out in November will be something really different. It was actually the second book I wrote, and the subject is very close to my heart. Dance from Deep Within is a contemporary novel about three returning college students who meet over a project and become fast friends. They come from vastly different cultures: a veiled Muslim woman, a blonde Christian ballerina, and a bi-racial hippie chick. My husband is from the Middle East, and I always wanted to write a story about a Muslim girl. After this one, I’ll probably be returning to my historical roots with a young adult medieval novel.

A big thank you to Dina for stopping by The Budget Maven today. One lucky reader will win their very own ebook copy of Love in Three-Quarter Time. All you have to do is follow Dina on Facebook, twitter, or Pinterest. Just make sure to comment (on Allison's original post, click here ) that you’ve done so (extra entries if you do all three)…and feel free to ask Dina any questions or leave her a nice comment below as well. **Giveaway will be open until Sunday, September 22nd, 2013. Winner announced Monday, September 23rd, 2013.**

Love in Three-Quarter Time - Description

As most of you already know, my new novel, Love in Three-Quarter Time will be the launch title for the new Zondervan First imprint in October. Between now and then, I'll try to give you some teaser info about the story as well as share the process of preparing the book for release. Here is some of the important info about the book that went to Zondervan in my initial proposal. I hope it whets your interest. In case you haven't guessed from the title, the book revolves around the waltz coming to America :)

Title:               Love in Three-Quarter Time

Hook:              The former belle of the ball must teach the dances she once loved and risk her heart in order to restore her family.

Genre:            Historical Romance

Setting:           Charlottesville, Virginia 1817

Verse:             Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. ~ Psalm 25:5

Concept:         Scarlett O’Hara meets Jane Austen

Content: When the belle of the ball falls into genteel poverty, Constance Cavendish must teach the dances she once loved to help her family survive. The opportunity of a lifetime might await her in the frontier town of Charlottesville, but the position will require her to instruct the sisters of the plantation owner who jilted her when she needed him most. Can Constance possibly face Robert Montgomery, her painful past, and the guilt that threatens to destroy her in time to waltz her way to a fresh start?

Theme: The primary theme of the book is letting God lead your dance and learning to live in the flow of the Holy Spirit.

Audience: Women ages eighteen to eighty who love lighthearted historical romance with spiritual depth.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

So after nearly bursting for several days, I can finally announce that my new historical romance, Love in Three-Quarter Time, will be the LAUNCH TITLE for a new ZONDERVAN imprint called ZONDERVAN FIRST!!!! Zondervan First will have a digital focus, although print books will be available as well. Think of it as Zondervan's response to the changing market. It's a low risk way of diversifying and investing in new authors. “We are thrilled to launch Zondervan First,” notes Scott Macdonald, President and CEO. “This digital imprint will give voice to notable content utilizing our editorial, marketing and creative expertise.”

On my end, this all happened really fast. My agent got the call Friday. Since we were both on vacation, I didn't get the news until Saturday afternoon, and a decision needed to be made by Sunday at 9 AM. It wasn't an easy call, because we had to make concessions on some issues, like no advance and no guarantee on the following two books of the series. And there was no time to contact the other editors who were looking at the manuscript. However, there were many advantages as well, including great publicity as the launch author, the chance to be involved in something new and exciting, and a quick release date of October 2012, which keeps me on track for releasing a book a year.

As I weighed everything a few factors stood out. 1) I could see God's hand in how everything had unfolded. Especially how He provided an opportunity for me to meet and even hang out with my new editor, Sue Brower, at Blue Ridge Christian Writers conference just a week earlier. 2) I felt incredibly honored that Zondervan had enough faith in me to choose me as their launch author in this new endeavor. 3) As I deliberated my decision, two scriptures kept popping into my head. First from Romans 8, This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" As well as the simple phrase from Galatians 2, My ego is no longer central.

Finally I decided, a door is standing open before me, and I'm going to walk through it. So, at the risk of mixing my metaphors, I hopped on this roller coaster and buckled myself in for the big launch. I'm adventurously expectant and waiting with a childlike, "What's next, Papa?" I can't wait to see what God has in store.


For more info on the Zondervan First imprint and the opportunities available to authors (even pre-published and unagented authors) visit their webpage. http://zondervan.com/first/faq 

And if you'd like to see the full press release about Zondervan first and Love in Three-Quarter Time you can see it here. http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/739293

Why I Dance with Passion

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

 I often describe my writing as “lyrical stories that dance with light.” My debut novel is called, Dance of the Dandelion, and I have two other completed manuscripts titled Dance from Deep Within, and Dancing After the Wind. Hmm. Do you see a recurring theme here? Yes, I love dance. It’s a huge part of who I am, how I live, how I write, and even how I relate to God.

I have had the honor serving as a worship dance choreographer and director for eighteen years, and I have discovered that dance is at its core, a form of communication. It can be used in as many ways as words themselves: worship, praise, prayer, intercession, warfare, prophecy, evangelism, teaching, and yes, even fun and entertainment.

Throughout my writing, dance becomes a metaphor for life: for the willingness to step beyond yourself, to embrace the wonder about you, to move in harmony with the universe. Yet dance is an actual physical expression as well. As joy and celebration build within, they require an outlet. And so, our hands and feet begin to move, our bodies begin to sing and flow, releasing emotions from our hearts and culminating in dance. Even releasing the heavenlies deep within through our fingertips and toes.

Dance is a fundamental form of human expression. It can be found throughout history in nearly every culture. It can be found in the Old Testament as a form of celebration, praise, and worship. Dance is often a community expression, drawing us together in unity and love. David danced before the Lord with all his might, and God was well pleased. Even Jesus spoke of his frustration with the generation around him by saying in Matthew 11, "We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge and you did not mourn.” Yet how often do we stifle this wondrous outlet?

Most churches today that incorporate contemporary choruses sing songs about dance. “Dance with me, oh lover of my soul.” "Dancers who dance upon injustice.” “We will dance on the streets that are golden.” “Dancing with my Father God in fields of grace.” The list goes on and on, but do we take it seriously, or do we stand still and sing the words, hampering our bodies from becoming living, breathing expressions of praise. 

Romans 12:1 instructs, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Of course this scripture has many applications, but I prefer to take it quite literally.

Dance may or may not be acceptable in your church’s culture. However, I encourage you, on your own, at home, in your prayer closet and throughout your life to offer up your bodies as living sacrifices of praise. Embrace and enjoy the wonder of dance. Take time to relate with God through this amazing form of expression. And, as you've probably heard me say before, join me as I explore the unforced rhythms of grace. 

Learning to Live Freely and Lightly

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.

About two years ago I chose the above quote as the theme for my life and my writing. Would it surprise you to hear that it’s actually a scripture from Matthew 11:28-30? You might recognize it in this translation.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

I’m sure I had read that scripture a hundred times. And it’s good. Don’t get me wrong. But it never resonated with me. Not until I stumbled across The Message version did it spark to life in my mind.

Boy was I burned out on religion. So exhausted from trying to do things in my own strength. Weary of the judgmental attitudes and external focus often found in Christianity. But God wanted me to recover my life. To take a real rest. He would show me how he did it.

Then it got even better. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. You see, I’ve been a worship dancer for eighteen years. This phrase, I understand. Flowing in the magic of the music. Letting it take you over. Seep into your skin and blossom from the inside out. Nothing forced or regimented. This is how our relationship with the Lord should be. His righteousness should permeate us and flow from the inside out. I saw even more in those few words. I imagined myself twirling in the arms of the Lord. Letting him lead my dance—my life. Responding to his gentle tugs and pulls. His subtle shifts and sways. Yes, this is how I desire to live.

And he won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting upon me? At that time, two years ago, one aspect of my life felt incredibly heavy and ill-fitting. I needed to turn it over into God’s hands. I needed to abandon trying to make it work through my own efforts. I surrendered. Metaphorically and physically. I gave up. I’m still working through that area of my life. Still learning to live freely and lightly in the Holy Spirit. But I’m keeping company with him as the scripture suggests. And much healing has occurred.

So this is now my theme. Learning to live freely and lightly in the unforced rhythms of God’s grace. This is what my books are about. This is what my life is about. Will you join me?

What is your favorite Bible verse? Do you have a theme for your life? Are you living freely and lightly?

10 Things with Dina

One of my friends, Susanne Dietze, did this fun little "10 Things with Author Dina Sleiman" article. Enjoy a few little known facts about me :)

Ten Things about Dina:

1) My favorite music is heavy metal and alternative. I’m a regular head banger.

2) I’ve been leading worship dance ministries for the better part of eighteen years.

3) No, my daughter on the cover of my novel is not the result of a teenage pregnancy. I’m actually 41 years old and had her after grad school.

4) My first creative writing project that I remember was a story about a scientifically researched alien from Venus who came to visit a little girl on Earth.

5) I love poetry and try to find sneaky ways to weave it into everything I write.

6) For most of my childhood I attended a “Jesus Movement” type hippy church. I think that explains a lot about me.

7) I was captain of the cheerleading squad in high school and valedictorian of my class. But don’t be too impressed (or annoyed) since there were only 10 people in my grade at my small Christian school.

8) I have two adorable little dogs. One malti-poo and one malti-shi. And I’m not above dressing them in cutsie outfits when they’ll let me.

9) My husband is Lebanese. I actually got caught in a war in Lebanon in 2006, and our family had to be evacuated on a U.S. naval ship.

10) I love the beach. It’s a twenty-five minute drive from my house, but I try to get there once a week when the weather’s nice. I adore the outdoors in general and do a lot of hiking and biking.