Welcome, Kathleen. Tell
us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog, Lena .
This is a great question. In my first novella, The Pocket Watch, my heroine, Isabel
Jones, lacks confidence and is hard on herself. I can relate to those
struggles. I guess that there is some little—or big—part of me in each hero and
heroine, whether it is a character trait or an understanding of what they’re
going through on deeper level. I certainly haven’t based any of my characters
on myself as a whole—just bits and pieces.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
Lately? Last fall I was having a day during which I was
feeling especially down and I was going to the mall for a computer class at the
Apple store. While I was there, I guess wanted to do something fun and
childlike too. I went to the Build-A-Bear Workshop and actually had a bunny
stuffed animal made for me. I picked out a name and outfit for it also. On the
way home, I buckled it into the passenger seat. Just for fun. Really.
When did you first
discover you were a writer?
When I was around four or five, I learned how much I loved
playing make-believe and the stories which I made up to go with the imaginary
play. I also learned to love books and enjoyed when my mom read to me. I had it
in my head from then on that I wanted to make up stories and someday write a
real book.
I had a third-grade teacher, Mrs. Williams, who told me I
was a good writer, and it seemed I would occasionally have people tell me that through
the years since then. My brother, John, was also a great encouragement to me
and took me to my first writers’ conference when I was around 20. I was lost in
a sea of professionals and filled with dreams I was never sure would come true.
Yet, I’d been bitten by the writing bug and through the years the desire
wouldn’t let go of me.
And all your readers
are glad that it didn’t. Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy
reading.
I enjoy many different kinds of books. I love old classics,
historical and contemporary women’s fiction and romance, cozy mysteries,
suspense, speculative, and science fiction.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
Like most writers, I’m an introvert, though I am usually a
friendly introvert. But sometimes I need a day at home to recharge. It’s great
to read or watch a favorite movie, and nice when my cat cooperates and sits on
my lap, which is a comfort to me. I also like to go out for a relaxing lunch with
a good friend to chat about the important things in life.
That being said, Jesus is the One I must cling to through
the tough times. Even when I feel like I’m walking through the wilderness, and
I have to focus on my head knowledge of God’s word. I might not feel it in my
heart, but I must cling to His truth, knowing He will get me through it.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Sometimes they pop into my head. I look up the meaning and
if it works, I keep it. Other times I pray and look up names and their meanings
to find one I feel fits the character I’m creating. Then there are times I just
really like a name for the way it sounds and I keep it.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I would say that by the grace of God my husband, Jack, and I
are still married for more than 35 years. We only knew each other for five
months when we got married and then realized we were polar opposites. After
quite a few rocky years, God brought a healing to our marriage. He had a plan,
knowing that Jack and I would become better people having to work together
through our differences and trials. We are both committed to working hard and
staying together. Our love and closeness has grown so much over the years. We
are blessed to be happily married today!
In the long run, I
think the best marriages are the ones where the two people are polar opposites.
James and I are polar opposites and we’ll celebrate 53 years in November. If you
were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Definitely a cat. They are smart and adorable. I’m a little
partial to my rescue cat Lilybits. I’ve sometimes thought if I wasn’t a human,
I wouldn’t mind being a much-loved, spoiled cat like she is. After all, she
gets to sleep much of the day, play when she wants to, snuggle with the people she
loves, eat kibble on demand, and someone else cleans up after her. What a life!
What is your favorite
food?
There are so many delicious foods in the world, it’s hard to
choose. I’d probably say chocolate is my favorite sweet food and homemade
spaghetti and meat sauce would be my favorite savory food.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Fear of failure and perfectionism go hand in hand. They both
kept me from writing an entire manuscript for a long time. I’d have all kinds
of ideas, but was afraid I wouldn’t be able to write perfectly enough. I still
face those issues as I write, but I have to overcome them one day at a time,
sometimes one sentence at a time. While I do turn to God for help in this I’ve
also had to tell myself the truth. My writing will never be perfect, but if I
never put anything down on paper, I won’t have anything to improve on. It’s a
learning process.
Very wise words. Tell
us about the featured book.
Here is a blurb of Rumors and Promises:
Sophie Biddle, an heiress on the run with a child in tow,
considers herself abandoned by her family and God. Wary, self-reliant Sophie is
caught off guard when meeting a kind, but meddling and handsome minister at the
local mercantile.
In 1900, Reverend Ian McCormick is determined to start anew
in Stone Creek , Michigan , believing he has failed God and
his former flock. He works harder than ever to forget his mistake, hoping to
prove himself a most pleasing servant to his new congregation and once again to
God.
While Sophie seeks acceptance for the child and a measure of
respect for herself, the rumors swirl about her sordid past. Should Ian show
concern for Sophie plight, he could risk everything, including his position as
pastor of Stone Creek.
Now the pair must choose to trust God and forgive those who
slander and gossip, or run. Will the scandals of their pasts bind them together
forever, or drive both deeper into despair?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Sophia Bidershem jerked awake as the train whistle blew. Her
heart pounded a beat almost in cadence with the wheels upon the track. Prickles
traveled up her arm so she wriggled her elbow into a different position around
her two-year-old daughter, Caira, who had fallen asleep against her. Outside
her passenger window, the pewter sky hung, cold and austere. Snowflakes glided
downward, covering any dirt or tracks on the ground and blanketing the leafless
trees with a pristine beauty. Could her new identity make her appear as clean?
A figure in a dark coat brushed against Sophia’s seat, the
scent of sweet tobacco smoke from a pipe causing her breath to catch. Her eyes
swept up toward the tall, masculine figure. His gray derby sat low while the
brim hid his eyes. The glove he attempted to put in his pocket fell to the
floor. As he bent to pick it up, the train wound around a curve, and he bumped
Sophia.
She gasped, covering her mouth and stilling the shivering
which threatened to overtake her.
“So sorry, miss.” The stranger tipped his hat, looking
apologetic.
Sophia exhaled, leaning as far away as possible from the
aisle. No scar slanted across his right cheek. She gave the stranger a slight
nod and averted her gaze. Other passengers read, stared out the windows, or
spoke to one another in low tones. Her daughter slept, oblivious to her
mother’s fear. Sophia sat against the high-backed seat and closed her eyes,
trying to reclaim the blissful peace of a catnap.
But the passing figure had reopened a scab on Sophia’s soul.
Darkness surrounded her again in her mind’s eye. He appeared, and there was no
place to run. She blinked; daylight flooded in.
Sophia held Caira tighter and focused outside the window.
Feeling a sheet of paper crinkle in the reticule on her lap,
Sophia freed her other hand to fish it out. Unfolding the paper, she searched
the information in the body of the letter sent to her by Mrs. Fairgrave.
And we all want to
know what’s in that letter. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Website: kathleenrouser.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerouser
Facebook Author Page:https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser/
Twitter: @KathleenRouser
Pinterest: https:/ /www.pinterest.com/kerouser/
Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing this book with us. I'm eager to read it.
Readers,
here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this
blog.
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 or country if outside North America . (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:
15 comments:
What a fun way to learn some new things about you, Kathleen.Rumors and Promises is a powerful story and very well written.
Thank you, Janet. I'm so glad you enjoyed my novel and appreciate very much your stopping by
to read Lena's interview with me.
Sounds like a good read. north platte nebraska.
I look forward to reading Rumors and Promises. Enjoyed the interview!
Beth from IA
I have run across several books lately set in my home state of MI. Would love to add this one to my TBR list.
pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for sharing! Happy Valentine's Day!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Enter me for the book copy!!
Conway, SC.
Kim, thank you for stopping by and for your kind comment.
Rubynreba (Beth from IA), I hope you will enjoy reading Rumors and Promises. Thank you for
stopping by and reading the interview.
Hi Patty, it's nice to see some books about Michigan out there, isn't it? It's such a beautiful state.
Where are you from originally?
You're welcome, Connie. Happy Valentine's Day to you as well!
Sharon, thank you for stopping by and entering for a chance to win Rumors and Promises!
I love the sound of this book. Can't wait to read it.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61@yahoo.com
Thank you for stopping by Barbara. I hope you will enjoy Rumors and Promises when you read it!
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