Readers, sorry to be late with this post. James and I had to take our grandson to physical therapy this morning.
Welcome back, Darlene. How did you come up
with the idea for this story?
When Barbour decided decided to publish novella anthologies
monthly, I decided to try writing a straight “prairie romance.” When I needed
four young women (or men) tied together by some common interest, my mind
wandered to missions. A local women’s group who takes on mission projects—only local
projects, where they could meet the heroes as they go about doing their good
deeds. From there, I went with fixtures of the genre: a school teacher, a
soldier, a reformed prostitute—and a girl who sets out to bring the wealthiest
man out of his self-imposed solitude.
That sounds like a
fun book. If you were planning a party with Christian authors of contemporary
fiction, what six people would you invite and why?
Oh, you’re asking tough questions! I might ask my fellow Oklahoma authors – Linda Goodnight, Julie
Jarnigan, Robin Patchen, Margaret Daley, as well as Brandilyn Collins and
wonderful Spyglass mystery writers Mary Conneally and Nancy Mehl. I’ve worked
with all of them, except Brandilyn, and I admire their work. I don’t read a lot
of contemporary Christian fiction, so I’m not as well acquainted with the
authors.
Now let’s do that for
a party for Christian authors of historical fiction, what six people would you
invite and why?
This is tough. I have enjoyed anything I’ve read by Liz
Curtis Higgs, Laurie Kingery, and Amanda Cabot. I’d love to party with my
critique partners: Susan Page Davis, Carla Olson Gade, Cindy Hickey, and
Lynette Sowell. Fellow Okies Janet Barton, Lacy Williams, Kathleen Turner,
Vickie McDonough, and Regina Jennings would be fun to party with. I’m sure I’m
missing some authors whom I truly enjoy and I apologize in advice for the oversight!
I didn’t know that Regina Jennings is an Oklahoma author. Of
course, I know the rest of them. Many times, people (and other authors) think
you have it made with so many books published. What is your most difficult
problem with writing at this time in your career?
My health! I have had unexpected problems arise in the
course of each contract for at least the last year. Most recently, I was put on
bed rest while finishing Homefront Dreams
(turned in June 1). I have made the
difficult decision to dial back my writing goals and to allow myself longer in
writing each book. I want to speed up and hate to slow down.
Also, I struggle with trusting God to open the right doors.
I would love to write (more) trade books but so far God has closed that door
for the time being.
Trade books are
getting harder for all of us. Tell us about the featured book.
While sowing good deeds, four Kansas women reap romance. Gladys Polson
helps a crotchety widower. Annie Bliss knits for soldiers. Birdie Landry sews
dresses for saloon girls looking for a
career change. Schoolteacher Ruth Fairfield takes on three orphan
children and their new guardian. How will God stitch love into their
lives?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Gladys checked the baskets on the kitchen table. Red calico
bows she’d festooned with small white flowers peeked out between juniper
branches. Such cheerful decorations should improve even crochety widower Norman
Keller’s spirits in the middle of the miserable Kansas winter.
Ma carried
a couple of baskets to the family wagon, together with garlands of fragrant
juniper branches. “Maybe it would be good if I came with you.”
Gladys came
close to agreeing when she remembered the last time she had knocked on Mr.
Keller’s door. The growl with which he greeted carolers could have passed for
Ebenezer Scrooge’s. “I’ll see how it goes today. I’d like to do this on my own,
if I can. I’ll be back in time to help with supper.”
Grateful
for the January thaw that made an outdoor project possible, Gladys buttoned up
her winter coat and drew on her mittens before heading out to the wagon. When
she’d decided to reach out to Norman Keller, she hadn’t considered how to keep her
activities a secret. To avoid attention, she would keep her wagon off Main Street .
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Twitter: @darlenefranklinThank you, Darlene, for sharing this book with us.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
CALICO BRIDES (Romancing America) - paperback
Calico Brides (Romancing America) - Kindle
Christianbook.com
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, Linkedin, 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
49 comments:
Thank you so much for your giveaway
God bless you
Chris Granville
S. Oregon
Well, hello there, Chris! Thanks for stopping by,
Darlene,
the book sounds really good. I love that time era. Please put me in the drawing and thanks for this great opportunity.
Tracey Krieg
Tracey, yes, I chose the 1870s as the heart of the "prairie" era. :)
I love reading books about the prairie era, this sounds just like what i love to read, please enter me in the give away thanks
jcisforme@aol.com
This sounds like an excellent book. I would love to be entered in the drawing.
Katie J. from Florida
Hi Katie, thanks for stopping by!
I've read a couple books by the author and enjoyed them.
thanks for the chance
cheryl in IL
Hi Darlene, I like to read this type of book and would love to be in the drawing. I enjoy reading about the prarie and the simpler but harder at times lifestyle of families.
thanks for sharing
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
a Ga reader
Cheryl, thanks for your kind words! It always means a lot when a reader expresses their appreciation.
Paula, thanks for stopping by! There is something reassuring about a prairie romance, isn't there?
Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to read this book.
Blessings,
Jo from Southern Arizona
Jo, are you the lady who recently asked me about my 4 Corners book, Pride's Fall? In any case, both pride's Fall and Calico Brides feature romances of the old west!
Readers, I have a great idea: I need to give away most of my author copies of my books. So I'm going to start by giving away two books to ten people who leave a comment in Lena's blog (provided there are at least 25 entries). Only one person is guaranteed a copy of Calico Brides. Please talk up the giveaway and sign up for yourself!
I just love that cover and title!
Really want to read the book now :)
Jasmine A. in Montana
Thanks for being so generous and giving away extra books! I love reading novellas- it helps me get my reading time in on busy days :)
Heidi, CA
CALICO BRIDES sounds very good and I would like to win it. sharon, CA
I am looking forward to reading CALICO BRIDES. It sounds like such a wonderful collection.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
I enjoy reading Darlene's work. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of CALICO BRIDES.
I live in Indiana.
Blessings,
Cindy W.
countrybear52 AT yahoo DOT com
I read and reviewed Lone Star Trail back in Nov. 2011. I would love to read your newest. I am so sorry you have had health issues. Take care of yourself and then get back to your lovely writing.
I live in NC
love these books thanks for the chance to win
live in ND
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Thanks to everyone for stopping by! I look forward to chatting further with our winners. :)
My mom loves the four-in-one books and I would love to win it for her! Thanks for the opportunity
Marianne -Arizona
Marianne, I bet your mother would enjoy the book (and maybe you too). Here's hoping you win.
Thanks so much for the interview and giveaway ladies! Calico Brides sounds like my kind of book.
Patty in SC
Hi Patty, thanks for stopping by!
Darlene,I enjoyed the interview. How generous of you to give away some of your author copies also! Calico Brides sounds very good. I enjoy books about the prairie.
Beth from Iowa
Love your cat photo! Thanks for stopping by.
I love prairie stories. I would love to win.
I live in IN.
Deanna: Hope you have a chance to check out my prairie story. :)
Hi Darlene, you have taken a newer approach to your prarie romances with good samaritans (missions). I would love to read your book. I hope you have the medical issues under control and will be able to continue to write. (It sure is a pain to get old :-) )
Best wishes from BC Canada...
Helen, Yup, finding a different spin on a familiar storty is the challenge of every author! Missions is one of my passions, so I bring it in whenever I can. :)
Enter me!
Sarah
N.C.
Please enter me!!! Thanks!
Blanch, N.C.
Sarah, Abigail, thanks for your interest.
I would love to win. Angela fromKY
Hi Angela, hope you're having a good day
This looks like a darling book!
Marissa from CO
Is my Echostar Marissa? Even if you're not, hello!
I love bride stories set in the west, please add me to the drawing! Thanks.
Merry in MN
Merry, I love writing about the west. I feel in love with Colorado as soon as I arrived and have to come to love the rest of the southwest as well.
Enjoyed the interview,I know I would enjoy the book. Thank you. Judy C. from Louisiana.
hi Judy, glad you enjoyed the interview. Good luck with the drawing
We have this series in the Church Library.
I would love to win, "Calico Brides" to add to our collection.
Thanks!
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Florida
Enter me this book looks like a great read!!
Sharon Richmond
Blanch,NC.
sharonruth126@gmail.com
This looks really good! I'm in MN.
Hello, Janet, Sharon, Veronica! Good luck in the drawing.
I try to do good deeds for others and try to go out of my way to make someone's day a little brighter. I love prairie stories. I used to watch "Little House on the Prairie." Actually I own seasons 1 & 2 on DVD. I read all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books too. Kristie from Ohio. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
Book sounds great thank you.
Lourdes Long Island, NY
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