Dear Readers, I was
privileged to read this book for endorsement, and I loved it. The characters,
the historical accuracy, the storyline. I think you’ll
love it, too.
Welcome, Linda. Tell
us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I don’t consciously write myself into my characters. I
often ask myself if a character’s words or actions are
his/hers or mine. I refer to the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory when I
develop the characters and try to stay true to their unique traits.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I love quirky people. I admire and enjoy them, but I don’t
think of myself as one of them—unless you count the time I
showed a quirky level of naiveté. I actually believed and
prepared for a protest when a friend reported that a mutual friend—an
American citizen, mind you, who was living and going to school in Abilene , Texas —had
been drafted into the French Foreign Legion.
I. Kid. You. Not. Once upon a time my middle name was naive.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
Unlike others who can point to writing as their calling from
an early age—some even to early school years—I didn’t realize I was a writer until
I was in high school. Even for dry, boring assignments in government/civics,
sitting down to a typewriter (manual in those days) and allowing my thoughts
and emotions to bubble up in the form of words was a delightful experience that
peaked during my first year away from home as a college freshman. I simply
loved sitting in my quiet dorm room and writing letters home. As I told Mother
and Daddy every move I made, I imagined their rapt attention and enjoyment,
which is my experience when I write today.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love a good story, whether historical, romance, or
suspense involving legal or international conflict. I became an avid reader in
fourth grade. I have those Weekly Reader books to this day. As I peruse them, I’m
surprised that I chose stories in which the main character was a boy, maybe
because in those days it was the boys who were out getting into trouble and
having adventures, as in The Red Badge of
Courage and, several years later, Where
the Red Fern Grows. And yet, I can remember as a girl lying across my bed,
book on floor, reading Christy, Anne of
Green Gables, and later on, Jane
Eyre, Wuthering Heights , Gone With the Wind, and To Kill a Mockingbird. I still enjoy
meaty, brave stories that tackle hard issues head-on.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I’ve found if I don’t start my day well, I don’t
end it well. For me, that means sitting at my bedroom bay window with a cup of
coffee, open Bible, and prayer journal. If I begin in this way, the insanity of
any day seems to even out or I remain calmer in the turmoil. Invariably, when I
find myself part of the turmoil, I realize I’ve neglected the bay window.
How do you choose
your characters’
names?
Because I write historical fiction, I choose names that fit
the time period, but even then characters earn their names. Noble heroes and
lovely, courageous heroines wear names that have a noble, lovely, or courageous
ring to them. Sometimes they’re the names of my cherished
ancestors. Antagonists’ names can just sound unpleasant or remind me of a
distasteful person in my past. My favorites are names are those I have no
connection with at all. I can give a low-down reprobate such a name without
worrying I’ve offended someone I know.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Far and above, my proudest accomplishment is rearing my
fantastic children—a son and daughter, veterinarians who actually like
one another so well they are in practice together. I can’t take
credit for my six beautiful grandchildren, so I’d say professionally I’m
most proud of winning the 2014 Jerry B. Jenkins Operation First Novel Award.
That’s a wonderful writing
achievement. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
I’ve learned in recent years that I’m
an introvert. This surprised me at first, but I’ve come to accept it as the
way God made me. One personality inventory tags me as a desert animal I’ve
never heard of, the meerkat—ethical, idealistic, loyal,
values oriented, and curious but inflamed by threats to the security of my
babies or morals. Sounds fairly quirky to me.
I would have said I’m most like a deer. Not at all
quirky.
What is your favorite
food?
Mexican, hands down!
James and I had
delicious Tex-Mex food for lunch today. What is the problem with writing that
was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Working through the discouragement or fear of rejection has
been my biggest challenge but the one that provides the greatest reward on the
other side. Only through confidence that the Lord has called me to be a writer
can I overcome this roadblock.
Set in 1905 Indian Territory prior to Oklahoma statehood
when the temperance and woman’s suffrage debates are raging,
The
Calling of Ella McFarland is the story of a young woman on the verge of
reaching her lifelong dream—a teaching position at
prestigious Worthington School for Girls—but whose sister’s
unwed motherhood has created a scandal that clouds her family name and may
limit her to a life of grueling farm labor. One strikingly handsome board
member shows Ella kindness, but will the other two men overlook her family’s
disgrace?
When she comes to the rescue of a young sharecropper’s
daughter, she’s thrust into a domestic abuse situation that opens
her eyes to the ramifications of women being denied a voice in their governance
through the vote. Forced to make decisions about her faith, family, and
aspirations, independent-spirited Ella finds a calling taking shape
in ways she never imagined and a new love budding in her heart.
How will she manage in her male-dominated world to give
voice to the voiceless without losing her own? Can she find God’s
will amid the tumultuous storm that surrounds her? Or will fear and pride have
their way?
Ella McFarland must decide.
Please give us the
first page of the book for my readers.
Ella had aimed for this day all her life.
Perching on the edge of the tufted chair, she slipped off
her gloves. A corset stave bit into her flesh, but she held herself erect. Such
was expected of a teacher candidate at Oklahoma
Territory ’s Worthington School for Girls.
“Miss McFarland.” Stationed at the head of the
library table, Mr. Abernathy gestured to a colleague on either side. “As the board of directors, we
must emphasize that female teachers who marry are dismissed.”
The man’s
tone had turned as severe as his starched collar. “Unlike for
men, marriage divides women’s loyalties.”
Women more prone to divided loyalties than men? Ella
suppressed an urge to spout the challenge. A Worthington teacher knew her place. “Rest
assured, sir, I am wedded to teaching.”
Perspiration dribbled down her spine. Was 1905 the hottest
year on record? Plucking a handkerchief from a sleeve, she dabbed moisture from
the cleft in her chin and pressed it to her nose. The library’s
musty tomes and velvet window coverings tickled her nostrils and devoured the
oxygen.
The man stifled a cough with a fist. “Your
loyalty notwithstanding . . .”
She willed herself to relax. Had the Lord Himself not
brought her to this premier institution of learning for the socially elite?
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Website: www. lindabrooksdavis.com
Facebook: Linda Brooks Davis, Author https://www.facebook.com/Linda-Brooks-Davis-945490792152157Twitter: @LBrooksDavis
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/linda-brooks-davis/67/245/904
Publisher: Mountainview Books
When The Calling of Ella McFarland debuts on December 1, it will be available to order both in print and ebook forms through bookstores and online outlets—Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google, Christianbook.com, etc.
Thank you, Linda, for sharing this book with my readers. I know they are eager to read it.
Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. 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 Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, 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
55 comments:
Congrats on your first place win with the Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel Contest. I'm on Clarice James Street Team who won second place. I'm very excited to read your book.
Terrill - WA
The Calling of Ella McFarland sounds like a book I would truly enjoy. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
Blessings,
Cindy W. from Indiana
Congratulations! What an achievement! I pray the Lord blessed you abundantly for writing these words and also everyone who reads them!
Teresa B.
Austin, TX
Sounds like a great read! Congratulations on your award!
Beth in Montana
Linda I am so proud of you for achieving this award! I know your love of history and writing have been blended together beautifully in this book. Congratulations! Can't wait to read it!
Shirley B.
Marble Falls, Texas
What an achievement! Congratulations. I look forward to reading this!
Pam in Ohio
Hi Linda! It was a pleasure speaking with you briefly on the FB party yesterday! Unfortunately for me, I forgot to change my attendance from "interested" to "going" and my entries did not count! I was so hoping to at least get a chance to win your book. So I'm grateful to Lena for having you here on her blog today! I love the synopsis of "The Calling of Ella McFarland", so please count me in this drawing to win a copy! Can't wait!
Annie JC from MD
By the way, I forgot to say that I love your cover!
She is a new author to me and the cover is beautiful!
Hi, Everyone! I'm sorry but I haven't found a way to respond to you individually, so I'll do it here.
Thank you for your positive comments. As new author, I'm especially encouraged by your words.
Terrill, I'm so happy I'm getting to know Clarice. What a blast she is!
Cindy in Indian, I'm pulling for you, girl! Thank you for your interest in Ella's story.
Beth in Montana, how surreal is it that I'm communicating with someone in Montana? Thank you for your interest in Ella's story.
Pam in Ohio, here I am in Texas responding to someone in Ohio. Thank you for your interest in Ella's story.
Just Commonly, I'm sorry you didn't get to participate yesterday. I think others just show up and observe. It was a fun event. Thank you for your kind words. I'm very grateful to Mountainview Books for creating such a beautiful cover.
Karen, yes, I'm a newbie! Winning Operation First Novel was the blessing of a lifetime. I hope you'll read and enjoy Ella's story.
Shirley and Teresa, my sisters-in-love, thank you for your faithfulness as encouragers. I love you!
And to everyone ... thank you for taking the time to comment.
Amazing book!!! Cannot wait to have a copy!
Kathy from SW Missouri
What a great honor you received when you won your award! Congratulations!
I have always loved reading and lately find myself thinking, during various experiences in my life, that those experiences would make a good book. If I could just find a way to write them down in such a fashion that the reader becomes absorbed in the story.
Thank you for this generous giveaway.
May you have a blessed Christmas
Thank you, Charlotte! What an encourager you are!
Thank you for commenting, Kathy from SW Missouri. I love this multi-state thing. My great-grandparents---parents of my grandmother Ella for whom Ella McFarland is named---were part of a family of Pyles who originated in Missouri before moving to Bruno, Arkansas. Missouri roots are mentioned in the book.
I hope you'll be able to read Ella's story and enjoy it.
If you have a yearning to write some of the family stories you've heard, just write. You can do it!
Hi, Terrill. Strangely, I can't reply to comments using my desktop computer but can with my phone. As I said in the group response, I thank you for commenting and encouraging me. I'm having a blast with Clarice! She's a hoot.
Hi, Cindy in Indiana, strangely, I can't reply to comments via my desktop computer but can on my phone. As I said in the earlier group comment, I love this multi-state thing. And I appreciate so much your words of encouragement!
Thank you so much, Teresa! Your encouragement means the world!
Thank you, Shirley! Your encouragement means the world!
Hi, Beth in Montana. Strangely, I can't reply to comments via my desktop computer but can on my phone. As I said in the earlier group comment, I love this multi-state thing. And I appreciate so much your words of encouragement!
Hi, Pam in Ohio. Strangely, I can't reply to comments via my desktop computer but can on my phone. As I said in the earlier group comment, I love this multi-state thing. And I appreciate so much your words of encouragement! I hope you enjoy my first book!
Hi, Annie in Maryland! Strangely, I can't reply to comments via my desktop computer but can on my phone. As I said in the earlier group comment, I love this multi-state thing. And I appreciate so much your words of encouragement! I hope you enjoy my story about Ella! PS: Mountainview Books did a great job on the cover. Thank you.
Hi, Karen! Thank you for commenting. Strangely, I can't reply to comments via my desktop computer but can on my phone. As I said in the earlier group comment, I love this multi-state thing. And I appreciate so much your words of encouragement! I hope you enjoy Ella's story.
Hello Linda and Lena, I have just recently found out about this author and want to read her work and let others know too so they can enjoy her work. thanks Lena for having Linda on for the interview, this helps me and others to learn little more about this new author.
Merry Christmas to you both.
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)
Ga fan
Women who have survived in a man's world are very strong, persistent, persuasive and courageous; I think these characteristics are necessary in this situation. sm CA wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Linda everything you recommend for reading I devour! Looking forward to reading YOU!! Love, Susan
would love to win Angela in KY
Congratulations! Sounds like a great book and would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity.
Melanie Backus, TX
This does sound like a wonderful read.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
Thank you for commenting, Melanie, fellow Texan. You've encouraged me. Linda
Thank you, Mary in Queensland, Australia. I've always wanted to visit down under. You have encouraged me from around the world. God bless you, Linda
Thank you, Susan! You are an entire cheering section! God bless you in abundant ways today!
Hi, Angela in KY. I love developing these multi-state connections. Your interest in my work encourages me!
Hi, sm. You've just described Ella! I hope you get to read her story. Thank you for your insightful comment. God bless.
Hi, Paula in Georgia! So glad to see your comment. Being a new author is exciting and provokes a bit of vulnerability too. Your encouragement means a lot.
Thank you! I love it too! Mountainview Books came up with a winner.
I love the storyline. I can remember in the 70's when pregnant friends had to leave school, I can't imagine back in the 1900's. A lot to work through.
Donna, TX
Love the cover and sounds like a good read. kamundsen44@yahoo.com North Platte Nebraska
This sounds like an interesting story, thank you for the chance to win a copy of this book.
Wendy in FL
wfnren at aol dot com
I think my wife would really enjoy this book.
Edward A in VA
I've just started seeing this one around different blogs and it sure sounds good! Turn of the Century women's rights and things were very hot topics :-) Thanks for the chance to win & the interview! Such a beautiful cover :-)
Trixi in OR
Enter me in your awesome contest!!
Conway, SC.
Enter me!
Blanch, NC
Hi, Melody. If you're from Donna in the Rio Grande Valley ... I'm from Raymondville so we're practically kissin' cousins! You're right about the issues to work through about out-of-wedlock pregnancies. I hope you get to read Ella's story. I named her in honor of my grandmother who migrated to the Valley as a widow with three daughters in 1924.
Hi, Kim. Thank you for commenting. Now Nebraska is on my friends map! Love it.
Hi, Wendy in Florida! Thank you for taking the time to comment. Florida is the 11th or 12th state represented so far. I'm glad for the new connection in the Sunshine State!
Hi, Edward. Virginia is now the 13th state to respond! Thank you--for commenting and thinking about your wife!
Hi, Trixie. Oregon makes 14 states! I love having an Oregon connection now. Thank you!
Hi, Sharon! With SC, I now have connections in 15 states. How amazing is that?! Thank you for your interest.
Wow, Abigail. Sixteen states represented with NC. My Brooks roots go back to NC. Proud of that. Thank you for your interest.
So happy for your recognition and I wish you continued success.
Blessings!
Connie from KY
cps1950 (at)gmail (dot)com
Lena, I would love to win Ella's book. I have a granddaughter with that name. Maxie(Tx) > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
This looks like a book I would enjoy. Thanks!
Beth from IA
oh, I love this book cover. This book sounds most intriguing. Thanks for the chance to win. live in ND
How exciting to see this book featured. I have been wanting to read this one. The cover is beautiful and the story sounds so intriguing.
Deanne in PA
It is a page turner!!
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