[author title=”Dina Sleiman” image=”https://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/5500b4595b888.image_.jpg”]Dina Sleiman writes stories of passion and grace. Most of the time you will find this Virginia Beach resident reading, biking, dancing, or hanging out with her husband and three children, preferably at the oceanfront. Check out her novels Dance from Deep Within, Dance of the Dandelion, and Love in Three-Quarter Time, and look for her Valiant Hearts adventure/romance books, Dauntless and Chivalrous, with Bethany House Publishers.[/author]
What is the title of your latest book?
Chivalrous
Tell us more about your book:
Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit.
When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles–along with twists and turns aplenty–await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.
Why do you write what you do?:
I fell in love with the medieval era many years ago, but I discovered it was a bad fit for the Christian market after I had already completed my first novel set in that time. Thankfully, markets change. With a subtle shift from adult romantic historical to young adult historical adventure/romance, I was able to return to the time period that I love. I’m very excited about writing for a cross-over teen/adult audience. It is such an honor to be able to influence the upcoming generation with my stories. I have a heart to teach young women to be strong and courageous and follow God’s leading, wherever that might take them.
What are you currently working on?:
Courageous is book 3 in the Valiant Hearts series and will be coming out in July of 2016. This is the story of Rosalind, the lady’s maid in book 2. She goes on crusade to the Holy Land in search of redemption from a tragic mistake in her past.
How does your work differ from other work in its genre?:
To my knowledge there are only three of us currently writing in my exact genre of YA Christian medievals: Melanie Dickerson, Jody Hedlund, and me. My story concepts differ in that the entire series sets females in legendary medieval male roles, while the others tend more toward a fairy tale feel. I think my strong and courageous Valiant Heart heroines are pretty unique. I certainly have the only female knight and crusader to date, although, as it turns out, we’ve all three written Robin Hood adaptions. Other medievals out there tend to be fantasy or time travel, but I don’t really know the fantasy genre and backwards time travel completely freaks out my rather scientific brain. In addition to the medieval setting, my books differ from other general historical romances in that I love to weave in a variety of elements like adventure, suspense, humor, and a deep spiritual thread.
How does your writing process work?:
I like to write alone and in silence, preferably curled up in bed with my laptop. I also like to begin my writing time with prayer and invite God to be my partner in the process. Generally when a story idea hits me, I’m in a pleasant daze for weeks. During that time my family has to remind me to do stuff like shower and cook dinner while I frantically try to type up everything my characters are telling me. But eventually I do have to get down to the hard work of writing, especially now that I’m on deadlines and can’t always wait for the muse to hit.
Social Media and Blog:
http://valiantheartsseries.blogspot.com/
http://dinasleiman.com
https://www.facebook.com/authordinasleiman?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/DinaSleiman1
https://www.pinterest.com/dinasleiman/
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Chivalrous-Valiant-Hearts-Dina-Sleiman/dp/076421313X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
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