THE DANCING MASTER - Julie Klassen - One Free Book, Plus Much More

Welcome back, Julie. God has really been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?

Thanks. I have just gone through a very busy period (writing my longest book in the shortest time). When I finish up edits for it, I’ll need to take a deep breath, rest a bit, and spend some time seeking God to learn where He would have me go from here.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband and I have two teenaged sons and a cat. I am the only female in a houseful of men (even the cat is male). We enjoy watching movies, camping, traveling, and playing board games together.

Has your writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Yes, I read a lot more nonfiction than I ever thought I would—research books about life in 19th century England mostly. I find it fascinating, though I miss having more time to read fiction for pleasure.

What are you working on right now?

I am racing toward my deadline for my next Regency-era novel called The Secret of Pembrooke Park, coming out from Bethany House late in 2014.

What outside interests do you have?

Between my family, church activities, and writing, I don’t have a lot of time for other interests. I do enjoy ballroom dancing and travel, and my husband and I hope to do more of each when the kids are older.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Either from places I’ve visited in England, or places I’ve read about during my research and would enjoy visiting one day—I love looking at old maps and village web sites, and dreaming about returning to England one day soon.

If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

If we’re ruling out Jesus, I suppose I might say Jane Austen. I’d like to ask her what she thinks about her enduring popularity and all the sequels and movies based on her novels. I think she’d be astounded, and perhaps a little chagrined.

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

Good question! Lots of things. Here’s one: Organize your research now, because even though you don’t think you’ll need to find these pesky facts and dates again—you will!

What new lessons is the Lord teaching you right now?

Again, many things. Things like seeking His approval more than the world’s. I’m also learning a lot about the fruit of the spirit and living a life controlled by the spirit in a Bible study I’m currently involved in, Beth Moore’s Living Beyond Yourself.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to do to be successful?

I don’t consider myself an expert, by any means, but a few things I would recommend are:

1. Less input; more output.

2. Come up with a premise people want to read and write the most engaging book you can; don’t focus on the numbers.

3. Don’t read your own reviews. It’ll either give you a big head or crush your spirit. Again, focus on writing the best book you can.

Tell us about the featured book.

In The Dancing Master, dance teacher Alec Valcourt is forced to leave his London academy and move his mother and sister to remote Devonshire. There he hopes to start again, but when he arrives, he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing for reasons buried deep in her past. Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch’s daughter, and the two join forces to uncover old secrets, and restore life to the village.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Prologue

May 1, 1815

Beaworthy, Devonshire, England

We observed the first of May as we always did. We dressed somberly and rode in the black barouche from Buckleigh Manor into Beaworthy. It was tradition, my mother said.

But I knew she had another reason for visiting the village on that particular day. Lady Amelia Midwinter wanted to make her presence known—make sure no one dared forget.

We drove first to the flower shop and bought two bouquets—lily of the valley and forget-me-nots.

From there our coachman, Isaacs, halted on the corner of High Street and Green, as he knew to do without being told.

The young groom helped my mother alight. She turned to look back at me, but I ignored her, sullenly remaining in the carriage. This was her tradition, not mine.

She crossed the street and laid one bouquet before the market hall—that center of trade on an island of green amid the cobbled High Street. The place where he died.

Forget-me-nots. Never forget.

She returned to the carriage, though we did not immediately depart. We sat for a few minutes in silence, waiting for the church bells to ring at midday.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Readers can find me at www.julieklassen.com, or on my Facebook page, Author Julie Klassen. 

Best-selling author Julie Klassen will be hosting a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a live webcast event (1/23) to celebrate the release of her latest novel, The Dancing Master. Enter and RSVP today!

 
  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 23rd. Winner will be announced at the "All Things Jane (from Austen to Eyre)" Live Webcast Event on January 23rd. Connect with Julie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Julie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, Jane Austen DVDs, fun "Jane" merchandise, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Dancing Master and join Julie and friends on the evening of January 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Thank you, Julie, for sharing this new book and the information about your live webcast.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.

The Dancing Master  - Christianbook.com

Dancing Master, The - Amazon

The Dancing Master - Kindle

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