A Tumbled Stone by Marcia Lee Laycock

Today, we are interviewing Marcia Laycock, author of A Tumbled Stone.


Tell us about A Tumbled Stone. Why did you write it?

When I came to the end of the first book, One Smooth Stone, I wasn't ready to leave the characters behind and I thought the readers might feel the same. So I wrote the epilogue in which the main character, Alex, discovers he has a sister. Then it was a matter of playing "what if" and developing the new characters and the plot line. I knew where I wanted the book to go but it wasn't always easy making it go there. :)

The book involves the issue of abortion, and I wanted that to be an important part but not the central part of the book. The main character's struggle to shape her own identity and reconcile her feelings about her foster parents is paramount. The subplot involves the dysfunction in the relationship between her foster parents and how they resolve it.

Short blurb about the book: Andrea Calvert had to run away. She couldn't stay on the farm, shaming her parents . She couldn't face being pregnant and alone. She would take care of this on her own. As she struggles to make life-changing decisions, Andrea discovers a diary and the wrenching story about her family's dysfunction.

Why do you write in this genre (what do you love about it?) Do you write in other genres as well?

This is my second go at the contemporary genre – the story I wanted to tell fit well in that category and yes, I love writing about contemporary characters in real-life settings. I have also written a fantasy for young adults (not published yet, though an editor is interested) and two non-fiction devotional books and two ebooks.

Tell us about a significant moment for you as you were writing the book (either personally or professionally)

I suppose the most significant thing is that I was diagnosed with cancer just as the book was accepted by a publisher. That meant all the editing was done while struggling with "chemo-haze" so it was a challenge in many ways. My energy level was extremely low so I had to do what I could in short bits. I am very thankful for my editor at Word Alive Press. He was very helpful and patient with me. I'm also thankful that my energy level has rebounded nicely - I need all I can muster now, in the thick of the promotion. :)

What is significant about this book? Why should people read it?

I think a lot of people are running and hiding - from their lives and from God. We all do this to some degree (even Christians) and I believe God wants us to stop and face the past traumas, what we have done, etc. And he wants us to know He loves us in spite of it all, even when we make bad choices. As I mentioned, this book deals with abortion and my prayer is that it may help a young woman somewhere make the right choice for her unborn child. I also hope that after reading A Tumbled Stone readers will have more compassion for young women who find themselves in the place of having to make such a profound, life-changing decision.

Where can readers purchase A Tumbled Stone?

A Tumbled Stone is available from Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle. It can also be purchased at any Christian bookstore (distributed by Ingram in the U.S.) or directly from me via my website, or from the publisher at www.wordalivepress.ca

Please give us a list of other books you have written or that will be coming out soon.
One Smooth Stone - Alex's story. Available at any bookstore or at www.castlequaybooks.com

The Spur of the Moment – a compilation of my devotional column – currently in second edition

Focused Reflections – a devotional on special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mother's Day, etc.

A Traveler's Advisory - an ebook at www.smashwords.com - short devotionals to inspire you while traveling

Abundant Rain - another ebook at smashwords for writers of faith

All of these books are available on my website - http://www.vinemarc.com


Check her blog here: www.writer-lee.blogspot.ca