Thursday, August 11, 2011

MARRYING MISS MARSHAL - Lacy Williams - Free Book

I'm pleased to welcome Lacy with her debut book. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
It depends on the character! Depending on the book, I may relate more to the heroine or I may feel closer to the hero. In MARRYING MISS MARSHAL, the heroine has a lot of me in her: her independence (I am a very independent person, just ask my husband!); her desire for a family (I wrote this book primarily while “trying” and then waiting on my first child to be born); her sense of duty/loyalty. In my next book (not sold yet), the hero has a little more of my personality: he is a family man with strong devotion to his kids. He also talks to his animals (mainly a milk cow)—I converse with my dogs frequently… and they are great listeners!

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
I am not a very “quirky” person (again, just ask my husband… he is the impulsive one out of the two of us). I like things to be planned and I am a list-maker. But since my husband likes to do things last-minute sometimes, probably the most unusual thing I’ve ever done is take an impromptu trip out-of-state just to eat at his favorite childhood restaurant. Road trip!

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I wanted to be an author since my childhood. I wrote a neighborhood newsletter and lots of stories. But I probably didn’t discover that I had what it took to be a “real” writer until high school, when I took a correspondence course with the Institute of Children’s Literature. That was my first experience submitting to an editor who critiqued my work. The course taught me a lot about having a thick skin and the importance of learning craft, and whetted my appetite to be published eventually.

Having been blessed to see some of your earlier writing, I knew you would make it. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
Well, I’m one of those weirdos who likes to read a little bit of everything. In the last 18 months I have read everything from the Hunger Games trilogy (mainstream YA) to gentle historical inspirational romance by Kim Vogel Sawyer (one of my favorite authors) to westerns by Louis L’Amour (one of my dad’s favorite authors). I enjoy romantic suspense, speculative/fantasy fiction, but my all-time favorite genre is romance. I love happy endings.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
This is a really relevant question for me because I am one of those people who frequently gets caught up in “running.” A lot of times I feel like God has to whack me upside the head to remind me to take a few minutes and remember Who is in control and just enjoy what is happening right now. Two examples: back before my first child was born when I was still working, I rushed to work most days (sometimes running late). One morning there was a rainbow that looked like it touched down RIGHT in the middle of the road in front of me. What an awesome reminder of God’s creation and power. Then a few weeks ago, I was trying to get a lot of writing stuff done and my daughter wasn’t feeling well and was acting VERY clingy that day—which meant I couldn’t get anything done. Mid-morning, we headed out into the front yard to play, and she still wasn’t feeling very well and just wanted to sit in my lap. We ended up watching the birds together for about twenty minutes in a very peaceful way (which is unusual because my daughter is also a “go, go, go” personality) and it was such a warm, quiet moment between the two of us. Those kind of things remind me to slow down and enjoy the here and now while I can.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
Usually, the character’s first name comes to me naturally while I am brainstorming about “who” that character really is—their personality, background, traits, physical attributes, etc. I have a really hard time with last names and my method of solving that problem is to find a list of surnames common to the area I’m writing about during the time period I’m writing about, and I just pick from the list. For secondary characters, sometimes I have to change a name halfway throughout the book because I’ve realized I have five people with names starting with the same letter (Sam, Saul, Sarah…).

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My daughter. She is an incredible little person, even though I feel like most of what makes her special isn’t something I’ve “done”, she just IS who she is. I can’t wait to meet her little brother in September!

I guess that means I won't be seeing you at the ACFW conference this year. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Probably a dog, my all-time favorite animal. I love dogs for their loyalty, because you always know where you stand with them (how can you misunderstand a growl or a wagging tail???), and because they are always so happy to see you—even if you’ve only been gone for five minutes. Right now, our family has three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; they are such a joy to have around and are so good with our toddler daughter (I have my camera ready and am still waiting for that first time she dresses up Mr. Bingley in a tiara and tutu).

What is your favorite food?
I am an ice cream fanatic. Chocolate, rocky road, sundaes, milkshakes… if it’s chocolate and ice cream then I am in heaven.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
My greatest problem has probably been the fear of submitting (to an editor/agent). I can talk about my book just fine, but when it comes time to send that puppy off into the great unknown (also known as the “pile on the editor’s desk”)… it really freaks me out. Overcoming it has been only with a lot of prayer (and more prayers that then I won’t worry about it!) and also with pushing from my husband and critique partners to “go for it”. And the truth is, you can never be published if an editor never sees your work, right? So it was definitely something that I had to come face-to-face with and persevere through.

Tell us about the featured book.
Danna Carpenter has sworn to protect the people of her small town in Wyoming; problem is: they don’t want to be protected by a woman. It’s not proper.  Chas O’Grady is a tenderfoot detective from the big city who has been assigned a job tracking down some cattle rustlers; problem is: he isn’t good at handling the rugged Wyoming terrain. Danna and Chas strike a deal to work together that will benefit them both; problem is: they get caught up in a scandal and end up married. Can they take care of the bad guys in town? And will they fall in love along the way?

Publisher’s Weekly calls it "warmly romantic with a hint of adventure and an unconventional heroine" and says, "Williams's storytelling style is ... easy to follow to its cheery conclusion" (June)

RT Book Reviews says, "Williams’ debut is a great story with a twist, and it will keep readers riveted." (August)

Please give us the first page of the book.

Wyoming Territory, September 1889

The report of a rifle echoed through the red-walled canyon, ringing in Marshal Danna Carpenter's chest. A second report sounded close after the first.

She reined in her mount and pushed back her Stetson, instantly alert and scanning the area for trouble.

The shots could've been someone hunting game—although there wasn't much of it to be found in these washed-out ravines southwest of town—or it could've been someone discharging their weapon for a more nefarious purpose. As town marshal, she had to be prepared for both possibilities.

Danna's horse shifted beneath her, its movements telling her it sensed something wrong as well. But what?

Then she saw him, in the last rays of sunlight slipping over the canyon's edge. A man staggering along the canyon floor, booted feet dragging in the sandy soil. He carried some kind of luggage over his shoulder. From this distance, she couldn't see a rifle….

Too far away to determine his identity, Danna guessed she didn't know him. His clothes were too fine for these parts—dark pants, vest, jacket, and a bright white shirt. Most folks around here wore woolen trousers or denims, and plain cotton shirts.

What was he doing so far from town? And on foot? Any halfway intelligent person knew you didn't traipse around the unforgiving Wyoming landscape without a horse, or a mule at the very least.

Before she could decide whether to waste the last of the sunlight to check on the stranger, or to head out of the canyon toward home, her horse's ears flicked back and his shoulder quivered beneath her gloved hand. The ground trembled.

From around a natural bend in the canyon, a cloud of dust rose like steam from a kettle and sent fear skittering down Danna's spine.

And the terrible sound she was hearing began to make sense: hundreds of pounding hooves, getting closer every second.

Stampede.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.lacywilliams.net is my main author website 
I’m doing promotion through www.marryingmissmarshal.com right now 
I am also active on facebook www.facebook.com/lacywilliamsbooks 

Thank you for the interesting visit, Lacy.

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. (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 4 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 if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link.

26 comments:

peachykath said...

Hunger Games is one book series I keep hearing great things about. I guess I need to get to the library and read them. I love the fact your book is a historical fiction yet still has a female in the lead role. Please enter me in the drawing for this book. Thank you

Katherine from Northern California

Patsy said...

I've seen Lacy's book on the internet and have wanted to read it. I really enjoy reading the Love Inspired books. I love reading books written in that time frame.
From Mississippi

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Casey said...

I've been looking forward to this book, congrats Lacy on your debut novel!!

I live in Oregon. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Please add me. I just downloaded Lacy's novella Heart of Gold and would love to read this one too!
Thanks!

Salena
Texas

Unknown said...

Thanks, Lena and Lacy for a great interview/post, Congratulations on your babies. You'll be a real family (when you only have girls or only boys, you can still say you and the girls(boys) now you'll say family, Lacy)Thanks Ladies for the chance to win the giveaway. mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com from Peace River Country, Alberta

Pam at Daysong Reflections said...

This sounds like my kind of book. Great interview.

Pam from west Tennessee

Melissa Jagears said...

please enter me, I'd love to read it. KS

scottsgal said...

I love it because I converse with my dogs all the time and they are great listeners!
thanks for the chance
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com

Anonymous said...

This books sounds like it will be very good. Love the cover. Please enter me in the drawing. THANK yOU!!

~~ANGELAA FROM KY~~

Judy said...

I would love to win a copy of "Marrying Miss Marshal". This book sounds like a great read!

Judy B from Indiana

Lourdes said...

Yep, sounds like a book I would really enjoy reading. Please enter me.

Lourdes from Long Island,NY

holdenj said...

I enjoyed Lacy's interview! Miss Marshal looks like a great character. Thanks!
Julie in MN

Lacy J. Williams said...

Wow, thanks for all the great comments! Good luck to you all and let me know if you have any specific questions about Marrying Miss Marshal--I'll try to check back a couple times this week to answer them!

Coolestmommy said...

I hate discrimination. Can't wait to see how she turns the town...or how her heart is turned as well.

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE

JJ said...

I am unfamiliar with the Hunger Games Trilogy. Thanks gahome2mom/gmail/com

Laney4 said...

I am intrigued by a woman being Marshal, plus I liked reading that "Williams's storytelling style is ... easy to follow to its cheery conclusion" and that you "love happy endings". Great hooks.

Thanks, Lena, for bringing Lacy to our attention, and thank you, Lacy, for sharing your time and book with us. Best wishes for a safe and healthy delivery, as well as your next book sale, in your near future.

Laney 4 in Ontario

Anonymous said...

The book sounds gread I would love to read it! I'm a subscriber by email! I've seen this book in a few different places and thought I would like to win this copy!

Brenda from Michigan

Krista said...

Sounds like a fun book. Please enter me!

Krista from Gresham, OR

Bakersdozen said...

I love historical fiction and I want to congratulate Lacy on her debut book. I live in S. CA.

Abigail Mitchell said...

Enter me in the contest.
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.

Unknown said...

Lacy and I have loving dogs and ice cream in common. I have such admiration for authors who have published for the first time. Congratulations, Lacy. I know you must be feeling incredible. Thanks for this giveaway and the chance to win. Just send it to me in Arlington, TX.

Blessings,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

Jo said...

I have been wanting to read this book. It looks so good. Please enter me!

Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona

Unknown said...

I love reading books that were about the west in the late 1800's. This book is right up my alley.

I am from Ohio.

jrandtam[at]columbus.rr.com

Kristie said...

Some people get married so quickly. Yikes! I would be too afraid I think. It usually does not work out. At least from what I've seen. Since you love happy endings I'm assuming yours will be different. I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

Annabelle said...

I saw this book in the store and knew I had to have it. So today at Walmart I sneaked away from DH and bought it. I'm looking forward to it.

Anonymous said...

This will be a MUST read for me! Sounds great! I love how down to earth you are, Lacy! Congratulations on your new little one!!
Blessings,
Kelly Y. in Virginia