Bio: Donna lives
in Denver with
husband Patrick, her first-line editor and biggest fan. She writes historical
suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of
Leeann Betts. She is a hybrid author who has published a number of books under
her pen name and under her own name. She is a member of American Christian
Fiction Writers and Sisters In Crime, facilitates a local critique group, and
teaches writing classes and courses. Donna is also a ghostwriter and editor of
fiction and non-fiction and judges in a number of writing contests. She loves
history and research and travels extensively for both. Donna is proud to be
represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.
Welcome back, Donna. Why
do you write the kind of books you do?
I discovered a love for history a few years back when I
started doing research for a Pony Express novella I was writing. And I am very
justice-oriented, so historic suspense seemed right up my alley.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
I’d have to say that was the day I married my hubby, and my
dad was able to be there, which we didn’t know until about a week before.
How has being
published changed your life?
I started writing to see if I had at least one book in me. I
kept writing because I discovered more than one book. I think being published
validates for me that the stories are worthwhile and that maybe somebody else
out there needs to hear them, too.
What are you reading
right now?
I am currently reading Opal
by Lauraine Snelling. It’s the third in her Dakotah Treasures series.
I love that series. What
is your current work in progress?
I am currently working on a devotional book, Transformation: a chronological walk
through the Bible in a year.
What would be your
dream vacation?
Somewhere warm, where I could turn off all alarms.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
It’s usually somewhere I’ve visited. For example, Christmas
Under the Stars is set in Echo
Canyon , Utah , where I
did a bunch of research for my Pony Express story.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
Jeremy Brett, so I could pick his brain about the character,
Sherlock Holmes, who I find intriguing.
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I also like to knit, to do crafty things, and to travel.
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
I think slowing down enough to edit because I love to write,
to create new stories, and editing is painful for me.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
Read. Read. Read. And join a critique group.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Edie Meredith and Tom Aitken head for California to start their new separate lives
while suspicious accidents plague their journey. Is someone trying to keep them
from reaching their destination? Or will misunderstanding and circumstances
keep them apart?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
November 1858
The snow swirled in clouds so low all visibility was
obscured, and Edie Meredith didn’t think she could take one more step. Her
right hand gripped the tailgate of the Conestoga wagon. She wasn’t sure whether
fear kept her latched to the rough wood or if her fingers were frozen in place.
With her free hand, she pulled her head covering tighter
around her neck and crossed the thin material over her face, leaving only her
eyes peering out at the blanket of white surrounding the wagon train. Muffled
noises met her ears, which ached from the unrelenting cold and bitter winds
whistling off the mountains surrounding their trail. The crack of whips urged
the oxen on, and judging by the creaking of wheels and the shouts of the men,
the desire to be somewhere warm and dry wasn’t limited to her.
Humid breath froze almost instantly, creating an icy ridge on
the cloth binding her mouth and nose, making breathing difficult. Edie used her
free hand to crack the misshapen icicles stuck to her scarf, sending them
tumbling to the crusted path.
Cold air snatched the end of her shawl from its place near
her throat, and the handspun fabric unwound from around her face and ears.
Numbness crept into her cheeks, and Edie recalled the pathetic creature she’d
seen begging outside the fort store three days ago: his ears and the tip of his
nose blackened from frostbite, huge sores threatening to eat away his face. And
the strangest sight of all: he was clad in only his long underwear. When she
asked, her brother told her folks sometimes went crazy when they froze to
death. Thinking they were too warm, they tossed their clothes aside.
Another blast of cold air blinded her with blowing snow for
a moment, and she paused to brush the particles from her eyes so she could see
again.
In that instant, the shadow of the wagon passed, leaving her
in a world without sight or sound.
Wow!! How can readers
find you on the Internet?
www.HiStoryThruTheAges.com
Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for our free newsletter!
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
and Smashwords: http://bit.ly/2gZATjm
Thank you, Donna, for
sharing this book with me and my blog readers. I know they are as eager to read
it as I am.
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
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:
11 comments:
I would certainly love to read Christmas Under The Stars.
Melanie. Backus, TX
Sounds like a book I would really enjoy, thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Wendy in South Sioux City, NE
wfnren at aol dot com
I always enjoy books about the settlers going west.
Beth from IA
What a way to leave the story causing a desire to get the book and find out what happens. Vivian Furbay of CO
This is a new author to me, and I would love to win a copy of Christmas Under the Stars. It sounds like a great read. Thanks for the read. Happy New Year! ๐๐
This is a new author to me, and I would love to win a copy of Christmas Under the Stars. It sounds like a great read. Thanks for the read. Happy New Year! ๐๐
VanG in NC
I've always enjoyed books about the Oregon Trail... Not sure why because often people faced great difficulties. Would love to read this book.
Patty in SC
Would love to win
I am currently reading Donna's other christmas book and it is so good! Shelia from MS
Thanks for sharing Donna's thoughts and the beginning of her new book.
Happy New Year!
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
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