Wednesday, February 13, 2013

STILL FAITHFUL - Jewell Tweedt - One Free Book


Welcome, Jewell. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I write a younger version of myself into characters that include some of my faith, memories and desires.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
 I’m not a quirky kind of person. I do put up an odd little black Halloween tree every year. It has bats, pumpkins and funny white ghosts.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?
On a plane during a business trip. I finished reading a bad novel and decided I could write one. I did and it was bad, but it gave me the determination to try again. And again.  

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love history text books, cookbooks, mysteries, and of course, historical romance stories.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
I drink lots of hot tea, take long showers and read in bed. I also have to watch an episode of Rifleman and M*A*S*H every evening or the day isn’t complete. Each Rifleman episode gives a moral lesson and each M*A*S*H makes me laugh.

How do you choose your characters’ names?
Usually I picture the characters in my head and the names just appear. Sometimes I’ll use the first name of a friend or family member because they get a kick out of seeing their names in print.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? 
My ability to re-invent myself. I’ve been a buyer, an independent salesman, a teacher and now a writer.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
A spunky little Norwich Terrier. They are tough, smart and extremely loyal. Plus they know how to have fun!

What is your favorite food?
Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy with warm crusty rolls.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Procrastination. I also teach full time and there are many evenings when I’m tired and just don’t want to sit down at my writing desk. I set a goal of a certain number of words a week and try to reach that goal by writing a little every night.

Tell us about the featured book.
Still Faithful is the second book of The Back to Omaha Adventure series. It is set in 1870’s Omaha. Undercover Pinkerton agent Jason Reynolds has tracked a loco ex-soldier accused of stealing Confederate gold back to the home of the soldier’s ex-fiancĂ©. Jason, a lonely widower not only finds his man but falls for a feisty shopkeeper, Arianna Quincy, who wants nothing to do with him. When the soldier kidnaps Arianna by mistake, Jason risks everything to save her, but ends up being rescued by her.

Please give us the first page of the book.
Omaha, Nebraska
August 1870
            Arianna Quincy hurried into the mercantile, a scribbled list clutched in her hand. She had  two goals—purchase the needed items, and talk her way into a job and a new life. Taking a moment to gather her courage, she wandered over to the colorful bolts of cloth and picked up a pretty calico.

            “Awright everybody, just stay calm, and keep your hands up where I can see ‘em. You, shopkeeper, open that till, and be quick about it!”

            Spotting a man brandishing a Colt, Arianna’s eyes riveted on his face. A filthy hat was pulled low on his head, and a bandana covered his mouth. She took a step back.

            “Lady,” he said. “I mean it. Hands up and don’t move.”

            She raised her trembling arms, still holding the cloth.  Panic coursed through her veins, and a lump lodged in her throat. What in heaven’s name. . . ?

            He swung his attention back to her cousin behind the counter and motioned with his gun. “Hurry it up, I ain’t got all day. Just stuff the money in this here bag.”

            Billy frowned, but did as he was told. He placed the bills and coins in the canvas sack. “Uh, mister, you should know this store belongs to the former sheriff, and his wife, and they aren’t gonna take kindly to this.”

            “Shut up, kid. Hand over some of that there coffee and tobacco.”

            At the soft step behind her, Arianna swung her gaze to the left.

How can readers find you on the Internet?
www.tweedtjewell.blogspot.com or tweedtjewell@gmail.com

Thank you, Jewell for sharing your life and book with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Still Faithful: A Back to Omaha Adventure (Volume 2) - paperback
Still Faithful (A Back to Omaha Adventure) - Kindle


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 Google +, 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

19 comments:

Katie said...

This is sounds great! Please enter me. I'm from NC.

Hannah said...

I would love to win!
Hannah P
CA

scottsgal said...

your favorite meal sounds yummm! Thanks for the chance to win this
cheryl in IL

pol said...

I have read this author and she writes a good story. thanks for sharing Lena and Jewell..

Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a Ga reader

Anonymous said...

Would love to win.

Katie J from FL

Lyndie Blevins said...

Thanks for the opportunity to get this book.
Lyndie Blevins

Duncanville, Tx

Sandy Salsbury said...

I grew up in Iowa and my parents took us on vacations all over the West and Plains states, getting me hooked on history and travel. I've lived in 11 states, visited all 50 except Utah and Nevada, and currently live in Virginia (moving to Florida in May!. I would so love to read this - my mom used to tell me about when she was very young and a great uncle used to sing her campfire songs from his time in the Civil War...

LiteOfTheNite said...

Sounds like a great one! :)

Unknown said...

Finally...an author who admits to writing herself into her characters! Thanks for the great interview, Lena and Jewell, and the opportunity to win Still Faithful.

Marianne from northern Alberta

mitziUNDERSCOREwanhamATyahooDOTcom

Norma S said...

Thank you for giving me a chance to win your book, it really sounds great. "Still Faithful", is the second book of The Back to Omaha Adventure series. Set in 1870's. Jewell,i us to love fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy with warm crusty rolls, just like you until i became allergic to them! Great interview. God bless.
Norma Stanforth from Ohio

Mary Preston said...

A first page that tells me I must read more. Well done!!

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Patricia said...

I love fried chicken and cream gravy but have to lay off the fried food and I don't even want to discuss the gray ;o(

But I can read the book. Please enter me to the giveaway.

Patricia from Southeast Texas Piney Woods.

Kandra said...

Jewell, I love what you said about reinventing yourself...and the tasty menu you gave! The book sounds great! Please enter me.
Kandra in Tennessee

sharon m said...

I love Christian fiction and would love to win this book. sharon

Jean said...

Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.

Jean Kropid
West Palm Beach, FL

Shopgirl said...

I love stories featuring Pinkertons! I'm in MN.

sharon m said...

I'd love to win this book, STILL FAITHFUL. sharon, san diego

Sharon Richmond said...

Enter me!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com

rubynreba said...

Still Faithful sounds very good.
Beth from Iowa