Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
I suppose a little of me creeps into each of the heroines I
write, but I try to vary the personalities/character types so nobody sounds or
acts just like me. I’ve fallen in love with a book on writing characters called
The
Complete Writer’s Guide to Heroes and Heroines. I love the way this book
shows the interaction of character types and gives examples from TV and movies.
By mixing up these character-traits, I can hopefully keep my characters from
being too much like me—or each other.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I have so many quirks, it’s hard to pick out just one, so
I’ll give you three of the many.
--One time when I was in kindergarten while walking home
from school, I tried to see how slowly I could walk without falling over. (Yes,
really, stop laughing!) I was really, really late getting home from school and
my mom came looking for me. I was in soooo much trouble.
--I also scalp my pizza. I eat all the toppings off the
crust and eat the crust separately. No clue why, it just tastes good that way.
--My family and I have been to 16 historical sites/museums
run by the MN Historical Society. My goal is to eventually visit them all. I
think I have four or five left to see.
--Oh, and bonus quirk: I don’t like seafood. At all. Nothing
From The Sea is my motto.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I think the seeds were there for a long time. I have a post
over on Seekerville
where I followed the trail of becoming a writer from my kindergarten days
onward. I’ve always loved reading, story-weaving, and daydreaming. Couple those
things with my love of words, history, and happy endings, and it was a natural
progression to historical romance writer.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I read a lot of different things. Mysteries, history books,
thrillers, historical romances, biographies, memoirs. I love Dick Francis, Tom
Clancy, Elizabeth Peters, Sarah Graves, Mary Connealy, James Herriot, Essie
Summers, Zane Grey, and so many more.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I’m busier now than I’ve ever been, but I keep my sanity the
same way I always have. Retreating into my fictional worlds. I have to have
this downtime…when it looks like I’m not doing anything at all…in order to
recharge the creative batteries and to prepare to write. On a side note, I do
have to pull back on other things I’m involved with, say no to some good things
in order to pursue writing fiction. I’ve learned I can’t do it all, so I have to
be careful what I say yes to.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
There are several things I take into
consideration when choosing character names. Ethnic background, historical
setting, economic background, connotations, and what exceptions can I make to
these rules. The era in history that I’m writing has a lot to do with the names
I choose, as well as the economic status of the characters. My first series was
set in the Gilded Age amongst the upper elite. The names were more elaborate.
My second series was set in Idaho
territory and the names were more rugged or plain. I consider the ethnic
background of the characters as well. Are they Scots, Norwegian, German, Irish?
Here in Minnesota
we have a lot of Scandinavian and German names. A name like Jukka Thoreson
wouldn’t be out of place in a MN historical. I also try to choose names that
fit the type of character I’m creating. I want the name to evoke a certain idea
in the character’s mind even before they get to know the character. My current
Work in Progress has a hero named Gareth, (like Sir Gareth of the Round Table)
and I hope this evokes ideas of a knight in shining armor, someone steeped in
chivalry, and willing to risk his life for a damsel in distress.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
The writing accomplishment I’m most proud of to date is
receiving so many honors in the 18th
Annual Heartsong Awards this past spring. The readers were so kind to me,
and it was wonderful to see my books were enjoyed by so many people.
The non-writing accomplishment I’m the most proud of is my
family. My husband and I have been happily married for 21 years now and we have
two great kids.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
I wouldn’t mind being a panda. They are adorable and rare
and cherished. Oh, and they’re supposed
to be round all over, which I kinda am. J
What is your favorite
food?
My current go-to food is taco salad at Carlos O’Kelly’s
restaurant. I order it every time I go there.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Showing vs. telling was a hard one for me to get my head
around. I thought I knew what it meant, but even now I’m discovering new ways
to show instead of tell. As to overcoming it, critique partners helped a lot,
as did reading books by masters of showing vs. telling. Some writers are very,
very good at this technique and I always learn new things by reading their
work.
Tell us about the
featured book.
The Queen of the Cow Towns is the setting for a rollicking
romantic mystery.
When Addie Reid isn’t focused on the world she sees through
the lens of her camera, she’s looking over her shoulder. But it isn’t her past that’s caught up with her. Unwittingly in
possession of a clue that will expose a killer, Addie must join forces with
Miles to solve the crime. As their relationship develops, a portrait of the
killer emerges.
I’m totally
intrigued. Please give us the first page of the book.
Uncle Carl had taught her that the
customer should be accommodated no matter what, but surely there were
limitations. Addie Reid pressed her fingertips against her temple. “You want to
do what?”
“I want my picture made with my horse.”
“Sir, this isn’t a livery stable. I do
serious portraiture.”
The cowboy—so prototypical of the breed
as to be comical with his wide hat, sunburned face, and bat-wing chaps—waved a
scrap of newsprint in her face. “Read this here ad. It says ‘Come to Reid’s
Photography to get your portrait taken with your trail pards and best friends.’
This is your ad, ain’t it? You are Reid’s Photography?”
A small pang twisted Addie’s heart. She
was now. What if I can’t do this alone?
“Well?”
“Yes, that’s my advertisement, and this
is Reid’s Photography.”
“Good. Then I want my picture made with
my trail pard and best friend. I’ve got good, cash money. Trail boss paid us
off an hour ago. I got spiffed up down at the barbershop and headed right
here.”
“But sir, a horse? The advertisement is
intended for humans.”
“That horse”—he pointed through the
open door to a dusty animal dozing in the sun on Front Street —“is the best friend and
trail pard I’ve ever had. He’s smart and gentle and has forgotten more about
cow work than I’ll ever know.”
Which was either an accolade for the
horse or an insult to the cowboy. She blew out a breath. “I can’t haul the
camera out into the street.” Though she wouldn’t risk moving the Chevalier for
a simple portrait, perhaps she could use her smaller Scovill. Though the print
would be smaller, too.
“I don’t want no outside picture. I
want it taken in the studio with one of those fancy backdrops. And I want the
picture to be about this big”—he held up his hands about a foot apart—“so it
will look good in a frame on the wall.”
That ruled out the Scovill. A print
that size would need the bigger camera. Her mind trotted back to what he’d
said, and her jaw dropped. “You intend to bring a horse inside?” Jamming her
hands on her hips, she shook her head. “No. Impossible. I’ll take your picture,
and it will be a good one, but the animal stays outside.”
He tugged the corner of his enormous
moustache. “I reckoned as much. No gumption. Should’ve known better than to
come to a woman photographer. A man would understand. Guess I’ll go over to
Donaldson’s. He offered to do it for me, but I wanted to give you a try at it
first, since you’re new in town and all. He said you’d be too timid.”
Stung, Addie straightened. “Wait. Don’t
go.” Donaldson’s Photography three blocks down would be her biggest competitor,
and Heber Donaldson had been the most vocal about the new photography shop on Front Street
stealing his customers. “We can work something out.” But it would have to be
worth her while. She hesitated then quoted him a price.
The cowboy grinned. “That sounds
fine to me.”
This book just jumped
to the top of my to-be-read pile. How can readers find you on the Internet?
I blog at: http://onthewritepath.blogspot.com/
You can find me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/erica.vetsch
And Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/EricaVetsch
And on the web at: http://webpages.charter.net/ericavetsch/home.html
Thank you, Erica, for the fun interview.
Readers, here's a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas
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
68 comments:
Thank you for doing this interview and hosting the giveaway. Sounds like a great book.
wfnren(at)aol(dot)com
wrensthoughts.blogspot.com
LOL!!! I'm still giggling about your panda commentary. I think I would want to be a panda, too. I'm getting rounder all over with each passing year. :-)
Thanks for sharing--I can't wait to read the book.
coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
Thank you so much for the chance to win this. This looks like a great book. I would love to win this. Thanks again.
agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com
What a situation! Sounds like a fun read.
Patty in SC
What a fun interview/post. Thanks Erica and Lena. And thanks for the giveaway. i would love to win.
mitzi_wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com
from the Peace River Country of Alberta
I love the first page...sounds like a great mystery romance:) I would love a chance to win!
Lorna from Alberta
lornafaith at gmail dot com
Please enter me! I LOVE photography (and horses haha. That first page really sucked me in!) so this sounds like a wonderful book for me :) I live in NC.
God bless!
Katie G.
Good morning, wfnren, I love your avatar. I have always loved the Raggedy Ann and Andy stories. :)
Hi, Robyn,
I'm feeling virtuous today because I spent time on my treadmill (I was walking, not just sitting on it! :D )
Hi, Patty, thank you for dropping by and commenting. I hope you get a chance to read a little of the mayhem I caused for Miles and Addie. :)
Hi, Marianne,
I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. It truly is a peek into the zany way my mind works.
Hi, Lorna Faith,
The idea for that first scene came from a photograph I came across of a cowboy and his horse posed in a portrait studio. I couldn't help but wonder if the photographer got extra pay for that one.
Hi, Katie G. I had to do quite a bit of research on early photography methods. I couldn't get over how dangerous some of the chemicals were and how often photographers got ill from chemical poisoning.
And I've always loved horses, too. :)
Hi, Rebecca! I love that hat! I wish I could wear hats more, but I have ridiculously curly hair (contrary to the photograph of me here--that took an army of professionals to get that look.)
The book sounds like FUN! I would love to win!
Salena
Texas
Hi, Salena, I recognize your name from the ACFW loop. Thanks for stopping by. :)
I thoroughly enjoyed A Bride's Portrait. What's fun is that readers get a double dose of romance since we get to watch two couples get together.
I'd love to head to Carlos O'Kelly's place and have a Taco Salad with you, Erica. We could talk writing and enjoy a good meal at the same time. =)
(Lena, you don't need to enter me in the drawing since I already have a copy of the book.)
Keli, I don't think they'd get us out of the restaurant! :) But just thinking of sharing Mexican food and writing talk with you makes me happy.
I would love to win a copy of this book. angela from KY
Nothing wrong with being "panda-like" :-) sounds like a wonderful book
cheryl in IL
msboatgal at aol.com
Hi, Angela from KY. Thanks for dropping in!
Hey, scottsgal,
I'd like to think I'm rare and cute and cherished, but I think I mostly win panda-merit for being round. :)
How intriguing.
Ginger in AL
Your book sounds very interesting, Erica. I love the western setting, too.
Sorry, my goof before.
Hi, Ginger and Mildred,
I'm partial to western settings myself. There's just something about the cowboy/lawman mystique. :)
Reading about how you choose you character names I have some female names from some of my ancesters that were pretty wierd like Lomer, Bethel, Floy, Lula and that is just a few.
Thanks for the enjoyable interview and giveaway! Anxious to read the book.
plb1050 at gmail dot com
This sounds like a really fun book. I'd especially love to read it since it is set in Kansas.
Thanks for the interview with Erica and the book giveaway.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Kansas
Hi, Patricia,
Lomer and Floy sure caught my eye. Those would make great character names.
Hi, Pam!
A fellow Jayhawk! I was born and raised in Salina. I miss the prairie.
Thanks for the chance to win Erica's book!
Ann Lee Miller
Gilbert AZ
Hi, Aly Logan, thanks for entering to win A Bride's Portrait. Have a happy Tuesday!
What a delightful beginning for A Bride's Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas!I love Erica's books and I don't want to miss this one. :)
Merry in TX
thanks for the opportunity to read erica's novel :)
karenk...from PA
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
love this cover would love to win this book thanks for the chance
I live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Wonderful interview :) And the book sounds so good! It's on my "To buy" list ;)
The interview was so fun.
And I loved the excerpt from the book, and I can totally relate to the cowboy wanting his picture taken with his horse!
Can't wait to read your book Erica :)
Oh, and I'm from SD ;)
Would love a chance to win this book!
Cathy from B.C. Canada
Hi, Merry! Thanks for coming by and leaving a comment. I hope you get to read more of A Bride's Portrait!
Faye! My South Dakota friend! If you don't win the book here (and best of luck to you in the drawing) I did leave a couple of autographed copies at Crossroads in Sioux Falls. :)
Hi, Cathy from B.C. It's so nice to meet you here!
It looks and sounds interesting!
Please enter me in the drawing.
God Bless,
Sarah Richmond
Blanch,N.C.
Love the cover! Love the interview!! Find your quirks pretty hilarious! I'm with you on the ban against food from the sea...I also hate seafood!
This really sounds like a great book!! Thanks for the chance to win!
Courtney from WA state!
Looks very interesting. Please enter me in the drawing.
Thanks and God Bless!
Abigail Richmond
Blanch, N.C.
Hi, Sarah, Thanks for coming by!
Hey, Courtney, Yay for non-seafood eaters! :)
Didn't Barbour do a lovely job with the book cover? I was so happy when I saw it!
Hi, Abigail! I suspect you and Sarah are related? :D
Love your profile picture!
I'm laughing already. What a fun book this sounds like. Please enter me.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Hi, Jo,
My current WIP is set in along the Colorado River in Western Arizona. My poor characters are melting. As a Minnesotan, the desert would probably do me in!
What a cool storyline!
Maggie, Northern Indiana
Hi Erica, You are a new author for me and I love this story already. I love spunky women who hold their own. Great interview. I love sea food but know lots who don't. Thanks for stopping by to chat and share with us.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.
I am from Georgia
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
I enjoy this kind of novel. It would be nice to win it.
Sounds like an interesting heroine and her fascinating profession. Especially for back then. I hate seafood too. I LOVE your motto and will steal it. *LOL* I'm from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Hi, Maggie, I'm glad you're intrigued by the storyline. The idea came to me from a photograph I saw in a book. I'm blogging about that on Dec. 1st on Sandy Ardoin's blog http://sandraardoin.wordpress.com/.
Judy,
Hi to a fellow historical romance fan! :) I hope you get a chance to read A Bride's Portrait.
Kristie, Seafood Avoiders of the World, Unite! :)
I can't even walk by a Red Lobster without feeling a little queasy. :)
Enter me I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks and God bless!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch, NC.
Erica, it is so exciting to hear about your new book - I have read your books for Heartsong (Congrats on the award!!!!) and your talent is more and more evident in each book - each one is better than the last! So, I can't wait to read this one, and would love to win it :-) Blessings to you in this marvelous ministry of writing that our Father has given to you!
I live in Phoenix (an am going to be part of the sisterhood - Christian, of course - of pandas, too!)
This sounds like a great book. Please enter me in this giveaway!
I live in New York
Enjoyed the interview! Congratulations to Erica on her many awards this spring! Looking forward to reading the new book!
Samantha
from Michigan
Great interview. Sounds like a wonderful book.
Beth from Iowa
The title on this book sounds intriguing. Great interview and giveaway.
Kathleen in Montana
Hi, Sharon, Aizess, KD, RubynReba,
Thank you for stopping by Lena's blog, and I wish you all the best in the drawing!
MamaCat - Thank you so much for your kind words re my stories. I've certainly been blessed.
Samantha, thank you! The Heartsong Awards were certainly a lot of fun this past year. I'm so thankful I've had the opportunity to write for Heartsong and Barbour. I've met such wonderful people as a result.
I'm usually pretty selective about what western/prairie historical I read, (since I'm on the edge of burnout regarding that time period, ha-ha) but Mrs. Vetch's novel has such a unique sounding storyline --I'll be keeping an eye out for it.
Thanks for the chance to win!
jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu
(P.S. --I'm from Hawaii)
this Books looks so very interesting I would love to read it enter me in the giveaway Thanks Joanna Richmond,
Looks interesting!Please enter me in the drawing.
Nathanael Richmond
Blanch, NC.
I read an excerpt of this book the other day, and was really intrigued. Sounds like a fun plot with some action in it. I'd love a chance at winning a copy!
Katie from Florida
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