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-fiancé. 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


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