Monday, May 24, 2010

A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE - Karen Witemeyer - Free Book

So excited about your debut novel, Karen. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I write quite a bit of myself into my characters. And for some reason that tends to come out in their flaws. Hmm…what does that say about me, I wonder? However, the reverse is also true. I see my characters influencing me as well. For example, my heroine, Hannah, is addicted to her morning cup of breakfast cocoa. While I wrote A Tailor-Made Bride, I found myself drinking more hot chocolate than ever before. Yum!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Eat tuna fish and Pringle sandwiches. Yep, the chips were on the sandwich. I tried this during those wonderful junior high years when the wings of experimentation are just beginning to unfurl. I liked it so much, I started eating it every day. Of course, I never told my mom. I'd just sneak the chips onto my sandwich when the school lunch bell rang. I haven't had one in years. Maybe I should see if I have the proper ingredients in my pantry...

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I'm not one of those authors who always knew they were a writer. Although in the third grade, I did write and illustrate a stunningly magnificent book entitled The Great Ball of Purple about an astronaut who discovered a purple planet full of purple people, inspired by none other than the classic song, Purple People Eater.

No, for me, I always knew I was a reader. My mom used to have to force me out of hiding to socialize when we had guests because I preferred sitting in my room with my stack of library books for company. I would daydream romantic storylines, and when I grew into an adult, I started jotting those ideas down in a journal. Maybe someday I would give writing a try.

Then in 2003, my husband discovered he was losing his job. I had three pre-school children at home. Perhaps now was that someday I'd been waiting for. Six months later, both my husband and I had new full-time jobs, but by this time the writing bug had bitten hard. I haven't been able to shake it since.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I am an historical romance reader through-and-through. It is all I read and all I write, truly my passion. I love the 19th century American west, but I also enjoy regency stories, and medieval settings. Rugged cowboys, dashing lords, fierce warriors—what's not to love?

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

A Tailor-Made Bride is my third completed novel and my first published book to be released. My second completed novel, now titled Head in the Clouds, will be released in October. I seem to be going backwards, don't I?

It is ironic how things sometimes work out. In 2007, I submitted my first completed novel to Bethany House, a manuscript entitled Fire By Night. They liked the writing and asked for the full manuscript but ended up not offering me a contract because they felt the plot was not original enough to launch a new author. However, Charlene Patterson (now my editor) said there was one element she really liked—the dress shop. Could I come up with a new story centering around this dress shop? Now you've got to understand, in the original manuscript, the dress shop burned to the ground in the prologue. How crazy is that? Build an entire story around a dress shop that didn't even survive five pages in the original? But I had a nibble from an editor, and I wasn't about to let it go. So I put together a new synopsis from scratch, and that story became A Tailor-Made Bride. So I've come full circle.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Pray. Pray. Pray.

In addition to that, my family keeps me grounded. They have a way of clarifying my priorities. They don't care if I publish a book or not; they simply love me for who I am. No publishing contract can validate me more than that.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
I like biblical names, but I am also careful to select names that are consistent with the novel's time period. The name has to resonate with me personally and fit the character as I picture him or her.
I had so much fun choosing the name Jericho for my hero. It is a strong, masculine name, but beyond that it has great biblical symbolism that fits his character. Because of painful experiences in his past, he has built walls around his heart. And just like the city that Joshua conquered, Jericho's walls eventually come tumbling down when the right woman lays siege.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Naturally, I am extremely proud of publishing my debut novel, but deep down, I am most proud of being wife to Wes and mother to the three best kids anyone could ask for.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
This question makes me laugh. In grade school one of my close friends and I decided we would choose unique animals for our favorites. Most of the other girls chose horses or kittens or puppy dogs. We wanted no part in that. She selected the armadillo, and I latched onto the stately hippopotamus. I even traveled to Africa on a mission trip once and started a collection of carved hippo figurines. However, as a woman who will admit to being a tad self-conscious about her appearance, I can't quite manage to answer that I see myself as a hippopotamus. That doesn't paint a terribly flattering picture, does it?

So instead of a hippo, I'm going to say that I am a kangaroo. With three young children who love to have Mama carry them around (even though they're getting much too big for that), many times I feel like I have my own pouch. Or should. And since motherhood fills such a large part of my identity, I wanted to select an animal that emphasized that nurturing aspect. In the Hundred Acre Wood, I would definitely be Kanga.
Although, just to set the record straight, I do not have big feet. LOL

What is your favorite food?

Blue Bell Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Those of you who are from the south will understand the importance of the Blue Bell brand. I grew up in California and had never heard of Blue Bell until I came to Abilene, Texas, for college. Oh, the sweetness I'd been missing. Except for my husband, Blue Bell ice cream is my favorite Texas discovery.

I discovered a new Blue Bell flavor last year--Chocolate Covered Cherry. Yum. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Plotting. Definitely. I have never considered myself a creative person. I enjoy creative expression (I sing, cross stitch, play the flute), but every artistic outlet I've found success with in the past had specific instructions to follow. Music has notes. Cross stitch has a pattern. The first time I changed the color palette on a cross-stitch design, I thought the stress was going to send me to bed for a week! So when it came to creating an original plot, I feared I would never be able to do it.

That's where prayer comes in. I pray over my writing every day. I ask the Lord to guide me and inspire me with entertaining and spiritually-moving stories that will touch hearts for his Kingdom. I even pray in the middle of a paragraph if I cannot find the right word. It is amazing to me how often the needed word will pop into my mind minutes later. I give the Lord full credit for the creativity in my stories, for I know it sure didn't originate with me.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

You must be committed to mastering the craft, tenacious in submitting your work, flexible enough to move when the industry moves, and grounded enough in who you are as a person and as a child of God not to lose heart when rejection comes. Accept the lessons of humility you learn now, for you will need them later when you find success.

Tell us about the featured book.

A Tailor-Made Bride is set in 1880s Texas. Sparks fly when a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity.

Here's the blurb from the catalog:

Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with Coventry, Texas's new dressmaker. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothing, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.

Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?

When Hannah decides to help Jericho's sister catch a beau--leading to uproarious consequences for the whole town--will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?

Please give us the first page of the book.

San Antonio, Texas – March, 1881

"Red? Have you no shame, Auntie Vic? You can't be buried in a scarlet gown."

"It's cerise, Nan."

Hannah Richards bit back a laugh as Victoria Ashmont effectively put her nephew's wife in her place with three little words. Trying hard to appear as if she weren't listening to her client's conversation, Hannah pulled the last pin from between her lips and slid it into the hem of the controversial fabric.

"Must you flout convention to the very end?" Nan's whine heightened to a near screech as she stomped toward the door. A delicate sniff followed by a tiny hiccup foreshadowed the coming of tears. "Sherman and I will be the ones to pay the price. You'll make us a laughingstock among our friends. But then, you've never cared for anyone except yourself, have you?"

Miss Victoria pivoted with impressive speed, the cane she used for balance nearly clobbering Hannah in the head as she spun.

"You may have my nephew wrapped around your little finger, but don't think you can manipulate me with your theatrics." Like an angry goddess from the Greek myths, Victoria Ashmont held her chin at a regal angle and pointed her aged hand toward the woman who dared challenge her. Hannah was surprised a lightning bolt didn't shoot from her finger to disintegrate Nan where she stood.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I would love to have readers visit my Web site at: http://karenwitemeyer.com/ . You can find fun information about the hobbies and interests of the characters featured in A Tailor-Made Bride as well free giveaways like bookmarks and a download for a biblical fiction piece inspired by the life of Rahab.
You can also find me on Facebook. Come by and visit any time. I'd love to hear from you!

Thank you, Karen, for this glimpse into your life.

Readers, here's a link to the book. By using the link when you order you help support this blog.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

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48 comments:

Stormi said...

Sounds like a great book!

Thanks,
Stormi
booklady2007[at]gmail[dot]com

Laney4 said...

Hi! I absolutely adore the humor in this book -- and you've only given us page one! Can hardly wait to read the rest. Thanks for sharing!

runner10 said...

Makes me want to read more.

Katrina said...

I am already hooked...sounds like a great read

Merry said...

I'd love a chance to win A Tailor-Made Bride, spunky characters are always fun. Thanks!

Wendy said...

I haven't heard of this book before.
Thanks for the review.

Sherry Kuhn said...

I loved the interview! The book sound great and I really like the cover too. Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks,
Sherry
love2stitch(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

this book is on my 'wish 'list.' thanks for the opportunity to read it :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Casey said...

I really hope I win this, it sounds and looks like a GREAT book!! :)

Anonymous said...

This looks like a funny book, plus I like fashion. Liked the interview, too. Thanks!

-Melissa
hismercysurrounding(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sue said...

I would love the opportunity to win this book. Thanks for entering me.

herrins1@harneyesd.k12.or.us

Karen Witemeyer said...

Thanks everybody for stopping by this morning. I'm so glad you are interested in Hannah and Jericho's story.

So are there any other hippo or kangaroo afficionados out there?

Sheila Deeth said...

Oh, I love that beginning. Not red! I'd love to read this.

Those sandwiches sound interesting - remind me of when I used to make sandwiches with crisps (chips) as a kid. But the best sandwiches of all were real "chip butties" made with chip-shop chips (fries) fresh from the fyer. Melted butter on the bread. Salt and vinegar... Yum.

collettakay said...

I absolutely love the cover of this book!

pepsi324[at]yahoo[dot]com

Unknown said...

I really like how you overcame your "roadblock" of plotting. That sounds like the best way to overcome anything! :) I think it's awesome that you pray over your writing. I do the same thing! :)
God bless!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Michelle said...

Great interview! Sounds like a wonderful book that I would like to read! Thanks so much for entering me!

Blessings,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

Sounds fabulous! Please enter my name in the giveaway!

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wonderful read! I love historicals, my favorite type of read!

lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com

Tina Pinson said...

I'm all into humor. Wished I could write it better myself. And I so love your cover. I think I already told you that on another site somewhere.

But I didn't win on that one. so here I go again.

Good interview.

blessings.
tpinson.co(at)netzero.net

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the interview! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

Diane said...

Sounds wonderful. Love the names of the lead characters. :O)

MaureenT said...

Now I want to read this book...I Love the humor!! Thank you Karen!

Cindy W. said...

A Tailor Made Bride sounds like a wonderful read. Would love to win it.

Blessings,
Cindy W.

countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com

Tammy S. said...

I would love to win this book. Please enter me. Thanks! bluerose_shelnut(at)yahoo(dot)com

Nancye said...

This sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Linda Kish said...

Please include me.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

grannyvon said...

I can relate to the Blue Bell Ice Cream. If you ever eat this brand you will never be able to eat another brand. The Key Lime Pie Ice Cream is great and you do not even have to make the pie. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the chance. ybutler@oppcatv.com

Theresa N. said...

My husband and I were talking about Blue Bell ice cream the other day and I told him I thought it was from Texas.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

Esther Wysong said...

Great interview! A Tailor-Made Bride sounds wonderful. The humor in the just the one page is hilarious. I'd love to find out what happens when Hannah and Jericho meet up! Thanks for a chance,
Esther
faith4u7(at)gmail(dot)com

Anita Yancey said...

Sounds like a really good book. I love ones set in the 1800's. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

Carole said...

I like the concept of a dressmaker's shop, but what an interesting road to publication! Karen's book was already on my wish list and I appreciate the chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

The Herd said...

I'd love to win this one!

misskallie2000 said...

I have A Tailor-Made Bride on my wish list. Can't wait to read. Maybe I will be the lucky one to win.
I love humor in my books along with mystery, romance and HEA. Of course all books don't fall into this catagory but I still read them. I'm addicted to books..LOL

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

rbooth43 said...

Great interview! A Tailor-Made Bride sounds like a great read.
Thanks!

rbooth43(at)yahoo(dot)com

Sylvia M. said...

Oh, I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since I first read about it and saw the cover. It sounds great!

Samitude/at/hotmail/dot/com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

This book sounds great!

Count me in for the contest.

Brenda

dancealert at aol dot com

Lou Ann said...

I so much would love the chance to win this book. Please consider me in this generous offer. Thank you.

Kristen said...

I love the tuna fish and Pringle sandwiches. Chips on sandwich are yummy! Thanks for the interview:)

Coolestmommy said...

Hannah & Jericho's story sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Great interview. Thanks for the advice for new writers. Sometimes it's hard to keep persevering.

The plot of your book sounds intriguing. Can't wait to read it.

Naasom André said...

Hi, this blog is great! Congratulations for this interview.
I'd like win this book. Thanks.

letrassantas[at] hotmail[dot] com

Judylynn said...

Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!

seizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com

Carman said...

Please include me in this giveaway! This book sounds awesome, and I can't wait to read it.

booklovercb[at]yahoo[dot]com

Kameko said...

I love your first line of the book! It makes me want to read the whole book in one sitting!

Your interview was very heartwarming and I enjoyed reading your site. Thanks for taking the time to be interviewed.

God bless -

Beverly
bgrider2@cox.net

Sara - artst4christ said...

You've got me hooked ! Really sounds like a great book.

artist4christ -@- cyberhaus -.- us

thaeter7 said...

I would love to read this book.
rally_thade17@hotmail.com

Amanda said...

I would love to read this - thanks for the giveaway!
winnieayala at yahoo dot com

Sarah said...

I can't wait to read this book. It sounds great. Please enter me in the drawing.