Welcome, Jamie. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
When I was fourteen my friend’s mother gave me a historical
romance novel, The Flame and the Flower,
by Kathleen Woodiwiss, and I was smitten. I fell in love with love stories,
particularly historical romance and read them by the grocery sack full for
years. When it came time to try my hand at writing my own story I didn’t even
have to think about it. I wrote what I knew and loved – historical romance. So
why inspirational? I’m a preacher’s daughter and Biblical teaching tapes were
playing in the background of my whole childhood. When I was thirty, a stay at
home mom and creatively somewhat bored, I tried to read Christian romances and
didn’t find (aside from Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers) what I was looking
for. So I decided to try and write my own story, the kind of story I wanted to
read – lots of passion, not preachy but with the faith elements organic to the
characters and a historical feel for that time and place that would sweep
readers (myself included!) into another world. It is the perfect fit for me.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest
day in your life?
Besides my wedding day and the birth of my three sons? That
would have to be the day Thomas Walters, editor at B&H Publishing, called
and told me, “We would like to publish your book.” I didn’t really believe it
until I held Snow Angel in my hands,
my first born daughter (all of my books are like daughters to me). It took me
two years to write that first book and then eight years to see it published. My
road to publication was a long, arduous walk of faith and persistence. I praise
God He didn’t let me give up!
How has being published changed your life?
Dramatically! I have a full time job now and, to be honest,
I don’t have time for much else in my life right now. It has cost me hobbies
and friendships, time and emotional exhaustion but the rewards are
indescribable. I just keep clinging to God and His plan for my life and know if
I follow Him I will be fulfilling my purpose on earth.
What are you reading right now?
Studying everything I can about Italy ,
specifically Tuscany and Carrara and the famed marble caves there.
Also, the devotional, Jesus Calling,
by Sarah Young. It’s keeping me grounded every day and reminding me to cling
close to my Savior’s hand through this life journey.
Sarah Young did another book, Dear Jesus, I used it the next year after I used Jesus Calling. What is your current work in progress?
I am so excited to be working on book three, A Duke’s Promise, in my first series!
It’s called the Forgotten Castles
series and is a story about a young woman who has been told that her treasure
hunting parents are dead and that the powerful Duke of St. Easton is now her
guardian. (Book one is The Guardian Duke
– out February 2012, book two is The
Forgiven Duke – out July 2012 and book three is A Duke’s Promise – out September 2012, so you won’t have to wait
long in between books!). Lady Alexandria Featherstone doesn’t believe her
parents are so ill-fated and takes off on a three-book journey over Ireland , Iceland ,
and Italy
to rescue them. Adventure, romance, some comical side characters that my son
Seth helped me dream up and God’s loving redemption! It’s my best work to date,
I think!
I'd love to feature your series on my blog. Contact me. What would be your dream vacation?
After my recent studies of Ireland ,
Iceland , and Italy , I think
a European tour! Alexandria lives on Holy Island
in Northumberland , England , so I would like to start
there. Then trace her steps across Northern
Ireland through Belfast ,
Killyleagh (you should see the castle
there!) and Dublin .
Next stop Reykjavik , Iceland ,
and see the geysers, hot springs and mountainous
volcanoes, then off to London for a few days and
then tour the Tuscan area of Italy .
Sigh. Can you tell I’ve been
imagining it?
How do you choose your settings for each book?
Just whatever I’m curious about at the time. I love learning
about new places and getting to armchair travel around the world with my characters.
Right now I am interested in Regency Europe but I love American settings too! I
will be writing another Christmas novella later this year and I’m thinking of
coming back to Philadelphia
for that one (this novella will tie in with my second book, The Duchess and the Dragon).
If you could spend an evening with one person who is
currently alive, who would it be and why?
Laura Kinsale. She writes secular historical romance and oh
my, can she write! Whenever I am stuck and need inspiration, I pick up one of
her books and just open to a page and start reading. I try really hard not to
get swept up in the story and then there goes my day – lol – but just study her
sentence structures and descriptions and dialog and well . . . you can see that
I LOVE her work!! Flowers from the Storm
is my all-time favorite romance novel.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I like to garden (my backyard is lovely this year!) and hang
out with friends. Shoe shopping and well, clothes and jewelry shopping too,
when I have the time! J Trying new restaurants with my husband and boys.
Recently, we bought mountain bikes and are taking up biking as a family
activity. I hadn’t ridden a bike in years and was pretty nervous about tackling
those trails but it is so much fun and great exercise! I want to do more of
that this fall.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you
overcome it?
Some days it’s just getting started. I have to get really
determined and tell myself that even if the writing is bad that day I can
always go back and fix it. I’m writing faster than ever to get this series out
in time and it is requiring hard discipline! Sometimes it’s sheer guts and
determination getting those words on the page.
What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Pray. Read. Write. Repeat as necessary and follow your path
to publication. Everyone has their own path, just stay persistent. If it’s your
calling and you have enough talent, you will get published eventually.
Tell us about the featured book.
Pirate of My Heart is a fun, passionate read! After writing a
few intense stories I needed a break and something that is a romantic,
adventurous page turner. Here’s the back copy blurb:
She gave up everything
for a chance at true love . . .
When her doting father dies, Lady Kendra Townsend is given a
choice: Marry the horrid man of her uncle’s choosing or leave England to risk a new life in America with
unknown relatives. Armed with the faith that God has a plan for her, Kendra
boards a cargo ship and soon finds herself swept away by the rugged American
sea captain Dorian Colburn. But this adventurous man has been wounded by love
before and now guards his independent life.
He wasn’t prepared to
give up anything for anyone…
No swashbuckling man needs an English heiress with
violet-hued eyes to make him feel again or challenge his faith with probing
questions—or so he thinks. It is not until Dorian must save Kendra from the
dark forces surrounding her that he decides she may be worth the risk.
Please give us the first page of the book.
PROLOGUE
The
grey clouds of dawn shivered against the paned glass of the castle, shrouding
the three figures at the side of the four-poster bed in an eerie light. The
raging storm of the night before had settled into a dreary misting rain though
an occasional jagged flash of lightning flaunted its power, not yet ready to
relinquish its right to ravish the leaden sky.
Dim light clung to the faces of those inside the bedchamber where the
very walls seemed to echo the anguish felt inside the room.
All that could be heard in the chamber was the
shallow, labored breathing of the one abed. A frail creature, now, pale and
lifeless after the travails of childbirth. The others included the old family
doctor, Radley, who hovered beside his patient and friend of many years with a
strained look in his eyes. Hovering in the shadows was Bridget, the lady's
long-standing nurse and companion. But
their suffering was not to be compared to the tall, handsome gentleman who
knelt at the woman's bedside, her hand clasped in his; a haunted look in his
eyes that attested to the fact that he too feared the end was near for his
beloved.
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Website: www.jamiecarie.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamie.carie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jamiecarie
Google “Jamie Carie” for lots of reviews of my books!
Thank you, Jamie, for the fun interview.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
Pirate of My Heart: A Novel
Thank you, Jamie, for the fun interview.
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.
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com
34 comments:
I can think of a few ladies I know who might like getting this one. Count me in.
I've been keeping up with some things on this book. Like choosing of the hat and also a pet name of a character. Would love to read it. I enjoy reading books set in older time periods.
from South Mississippi
plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net
Love the premise of the story. I think you are right that the lives oft he wealthy are often filled with sorrow and without meaning. I can't wait to see how you work this into the story.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
NE
Thanks so much for the chance to win this. This book looks absolutely amazing. I would love to win this. Thanks again.
I am from Oklahoma.
Sounds like my kind of romance. Please enter this gal from Ontario, Canada. Thank you.
Thank you for the giveaway. I live in Florida.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
Please enter me! Thus far I have read every Jamie Carie book that she has written. Love her and would love to win this! Thanks!!
dianalflowers@aol.com
Diana from SC
Thanks for featuring a new author again. I would love to win, Jamie and Lena
That schedule looks killer!
KS
I think I've read most of Jamie's books and love them! Looking forward to this one as well! Great interview!
Cyndi in AL
love that time period setting
thanks for the chance
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com
Jamie...I totally love your books:) You write with such passion and your character descriptions are so detailed...I just love them all!
I feel inspired to finish my historical romance:)
I would love to be entered for a chance to win your book!
Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com
Ooo! Several great authors right in a row! I have really enjoyed Jamie's books and I'm sure this one will be just as great!
Sarah from Ohio
I'm a fan of Ms. Carie's, and have heard som egood things about this one :)
crazi.swans at gmail dot com
SD, USA.
I have to read this one! I love pirate novels, and Jamie's writing is awesome. :) Thanks for the giveaway!
Lindsey
Oregon
Another great author on the blog! I've read a book or tow of hers but it's fun to get behind the story a little.
Patty in Sc
This book looks like it's great. My name is Danyelle from Kingman, AZ
Oh yes please include me thanks
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
This was such an enjoyable book. I read an ARC of Pirate of My Heart and I would love to add a finished copy to my collection. Thank you!
carlyberd[at]yahoo[dot]com
Sounds like a great story! I would love to win this book. Thanks and God bless.
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
I would love to win Pirates of the Heart. Thankyou Lena for featuring my type of novels and authors I love
Thanks for the interview! I can't wait to read Pirate of My Heart, but right now Angel's Den is my favorite Jamie Carie book. I live in Missouri.
Looks and sounds interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing,would love to win.
Nathanael Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
It looks and sounds interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing.
God Bless!
Sarah Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
It sounds interesting I would
love to get the book to read it.
Dennie Richmond
Blanch, NC
I do love a good romance and I do love historicals!
I'm a subscriber and a follower via gfc.
dancealert at aol dot com
Brenda from Michigan
I would enjoy reading this book. It sounds interesting. Please enter me in the giveaway.
I live in New York
I would love to win. It sounds like a good book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Michelle
TX
"Pirate of My Heart" sounds exciting, though I must say I'm very anxious for your new series next year! We lived in Iceland for five years and LOVED it!! Our oldest two children were born there and the third conceived! Thank you for the giveaway and chance to win!
Blessings,
Kelly Y in Virginia
kelly*at*dkcountryarts*dot*com
looks like a interesting book. enter me in the contest.
Joanna Richmond
Blanch NC.
Sounds very interesting! Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!
God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
won't pass up an opp to win this book! i worked so hard on choosing a hat for our heroine and offered pet names for our luvy couple, so i'm adding my comment into this one for sure!! thanks for the great interview ~ thanks for writing Jamie!
a committed CA follower ~
Pleeeease pick me so I can stop my blog stalking for Jamie's new book. I have bought every single one of her books so I think I deserve a free one. lol
dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com
Diana from SC
I really enjoyed Jamies Q&A. Pirate of my Heart looks like a great read. Thanks for the chance to win.
Julie in MN
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