LADY IN THE MIST - Laurie Alice Eakes - 2 Winners, Free Book and Either a Tote or Mug

I've been looking forward to this interview for quite a while. I was privileged to read this manuscript for an endorsement, and fell in love with the people and the story. Welcome, Laurie Alice. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

These are the kind of books I like to read—adventure, mystery/suspense, and, above all, romance. Although I enjoy other genres, the historical romance has been my preference since I discovered them about twenty years ago.

Since I also love writing historical romance books, I understand. I love reading them, too. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

This one is difficult. I’ve had a lot of happy days in my life—getting married, making my first sale, and my second and… :-) Winning awards. . . I don’t honestly think I can pin down one day.

How has being published changed your life?

How much space do I have? I think I could write a book just about that. Especially in the last two years, when I started making significant sales, I have had to think through what my behavior, my words, my whole demeanor conveys to the public. Although I think that as a Christian, too, it’s a bit different now. I have an audience, a special audience, that comes from all faiths and all walks of life. If I’m too opinionated on certain issues—and I am opinionated—I could alienate someone.

Yes, besides the writing full-time aspect, I believe I have become a more thoughtful and considerate person. Funny what things God uses to change our hearts.

What are you reading right now?

I’m actually between books and deciding what to read next. Mostly I’ve been reading critiques and contest entries—and my own edits.

What is your current work in progress?

I have two at the moment. I am editing my second midwife book, out next February, and working on another book for Avalon, which right now I call my lady lawyer book.

They both sound very interesting. I'll want to feature them on my blog. What would be your dream vacation?

I want to stay in a Scottish castle. Although I’ve been to continental Europe three times, I haven't yet made it to Great Britain, especially Scotland. Or maybe I just want to go to a warm sunny island and lie around on the sun-baked sand.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

That depends on the book. Sometimes, like with the midwife series, I came up with the story first, then thought of the best setting for it. But with my Heartsongs, I chose the setting, then read about the place until I came up with the story. Mostly though, I pick places I like or find interesting. Virginia is special to me. I have a tie to it, besides having lived there for a considerable percentage of my life, so I love books set there.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

I think I’m supposed to pick someone famous, but, frankly, I think it would have to be my sister. I don’t think the two of us have spent an evening together just the two of us since we were children, and I have a lot of things I’d like to ask her, as her life has been so different from mine so far. Besides, she’s just an interesting woman in her own right.

You can choose whoever you want to for the answer, and your choice was a good one. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I don’t know if I have a “hobby.” I knit a little but am not very good at it. I like doing a lot of things like hiking and watching movies and listening to music, especially live music. If I could indulge this, which I can't where I currently live, I would probably make a hobby of finding new musicians to go listen to.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Self-doubt. Definitely self-doubt. Despite selling 15 books and a novella, winning a major award and finalling in another, I just can’t believe that I’m writing things people want to read.

That is something I believe all authors face from time to time. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Finish. It’s the best advice I ever received. You can’t submit an unfinished manuscript and sell it, with a few exceptions. At some point, you have to let the work go. Once you do, sit down and start another one; don’t sit around and wait to learn the fate of the first one.

Tell us about the featured book.

Here is the back cover copy, and it’s so much more, a subtle allegory of our old life and new life in Christ. How? That’s telling too much of the story. It’s a book that took me a long time to write, not the actually story. I wrote it in four months, but the actual idea and concept took a long time to germinate and come to fruition. I think this makes it more special.

By virtue of her profession as a midwife, Tabitha Eckles is the keeper of many secrets.

Dominick Cherrett is a man with his own secret to keep: namely, what he, a British aristocrat, is doing on American soil working as an indentured servant.

In a time when relations between America and England rest on the edge of a knife, Tabitha and Dominick cross paths, leading them on a journey of intrigue, threats, public disgrace, and . . . love? But can Tabitha trust Dominick? Finding true love seems impossible in a world set against them.

With stirring writing that draws you directly into the story, Lady in the Mist takes you on the thrilling ride of love’s discovery.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Seabourne, Virginia
May 1809

"I'm sorry." Tabitha Eckles dared not look Harlan Wilkins in the eye. If she witnessed even a flicker of grief, the floodgates of her own tears would spring open and drown her good sense in a moment when she needed all of it. "I did everything I could to save your wife."

"I'm sure you did." Wilkins's tone held no emotion. He stood next to the dining room sideboard with the rigidity of a porch pillar. Candlelight played across the lower half of his face, sparkling in the crystal glass he held to his lips without drinking, without speaking further.

"The baby came too soon ..." Tabitha needed to say something more to a husband who had just lost his young bride of only six months, as well as their son. "After the accident—"

"Did she regain consciousness?" Wilkins lashed out the words. The amber contents of his glass sloshed, sending the sharp scent of spirits wafting around him.

Tabitha jumped. "No. I mean, yes. That is—" She took a breath to steady her racing heart and give herself a moment to think of a safe answer. "She mumbled a lot of nonsense."

At least Tabitha hoped it was nonsense, the ravings of a woman in terrible pain.

Readers, this is only a tiny taste of the wonderful story.

Laurie Alice, how can readers find you on the Internet?

I have a web site that has my books, some stuff about me, reviews, and excerpts. I also have a blog, which I’ve just revived.
http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com/
http://www.seizethechance.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Laurie Alice, for this fun visit today.
 
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.



Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. On this interview, the winner will have to be from the US. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

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.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/