I’ve always loved historical novels as a reader, so writing
them was a natural progression. Although I didn’t enjoy history while I was in
school, I do now. Digging into the lives of people who lived long ago is
fascinating to me.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
The day I married my best friend, April, 25, 1987, was the
happiest day of my life. We met in college and have been sweethearts for more
than 33 years. Two more dates brought me incredible joy: February 12, 1991 and
May 22, 1993. God blessed us with two little boys on those dates. They’ve grown
into young men that I am desperately proud of.
How has being
published changed your life?
Honestly, my life hasn’t changed all that much since my
debut novel came out in March 2017. I’m a bit busier on social media and
planning marketing events, but otherwise my days are much the same as before. I
do enjoy hearing from readers and interacting with them on social media and at
signing events. I’m very grateful for all the amazing reviews my books have
received and try to reach out to reviewers as much as possible. I suppose you
could say that being a bit more visible and transparent is one way I’ve changed
since becoming a published author.
What are you reading
right now?
I’m getting ready to start Francine Rivers’ The Masterpiece. I’ve had to wait to dig
into it while I finished reading several books and manuscripts for a contest
I’m a judge in. Francine is one of my all-time favorite authors, beginning back
in 1999 when I met her at a writers’ conference and was so “green” I didn’t
know who she was!
What is your current
work in progress?
I’m working on the third and final book in The Women of Rose
Hill historical romance series. This third book takes place twenty years from
the first book, so many changes have come to Rose Hill plantation, not all of
them good.
What would be your
dream vacation?
I’d love to take a cruise around the world! My husband and I
love cruising, and I’d much rather lounge on a cruise ship while crossing the
ocean than fly in a crowded airplane. I’d like to visit each continent and
experience the many different cultures represented.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
I chose the setting for my historical series after learning
about slavery and cotton plantations existing in Texas prior to the Civil War. Because I grew
up in New Mexico , Texas ’ history was not something I was
familiar with, even though I’d lived in the state since 1985. Once I began to
dig into the research, I knew I had to write about a plantation in Texas rather than the
typical southern plantations we often read about located in Georgia or
Virginia. I specifically chose Williamson County as the setting for Rose Hill
plantation after reading a firsthand account of a slave who lived on a
plantation in that county, the same county where I lived for twenty years.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
If you had asked me this question a few months ago, I would
have said the Rev. Billy Graham. Oh, how I would have loved to sit in his
comfy-looking home tucked in the hills of North Carolina , listening to his incredible
stories. But since he has gone Home to Heaven, I will say my next choice would
be Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. He and Neil Armstrong were the first two humans to
walk on the moon, and I’d love to hear him describe that amazing event in
person.
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I’m obsessed with visiting historical sites. My husband and
I recently relocated to Tennessee ,
and I’m fascinated by all the Civil War history that surrounds me here. We also
enjoy old movies, live music, and eating out. We’ve dubbed Friday nights as
Burger Night and are always on the hunt for the best burger in town!
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Procrastination. Unfortunately I have yet to overcome it.
Like most things I try to accomplish, I find that if I have a hard and fast
deadline, I can make myself sit in the chair and write. But if I have too much
time between contracts or writing projects, I find myself going in several
different directions and not really accomplishing much.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
Don’t get discouraged. Keep learning and keep writing. God
has a timetable and a plan for each of us. He can’t be rushed, nor would we
want to rush him. Writing is just one of the many tasks God has for us to do,
so be faithful in them all.
Tell us about the
featured book.
The Widow of Rose Hill is the second book in The Women of Rose
Hill series. It takes place in June 1865, just after the Civil War has ended.
If you know your Texas history, you know
slavery in Texas
was still happening despite the end of the war. When the Union Army arrived in Galveston , they brought
with them a presidential proclamation freeing the slaves. Huge changes had to
come to plantation owners like Natalie Ellis. How will the widowed single
mother manage the plantation without slaves?
Please give us the
first page of the book.
June 1865
“I declare, Carolina ,
I believe we will positively melt before the day is finished with us.”
Seated on the swing on the wide front porch that graced the
big house of Rose Hill plantation, Natalie Langford Ellis cooled her face with
her favorite lace fan until the muscles in her arm cramped. Not even the uppermost
branches of the great oaks near the house stirred in the sultry afternoon air.
Nary a cloud floated in the clear blue sky to offer a brief respite.
“Yes’m.” Carolina
mopped her ebony skin with a damp cloth. From her place in a worn wicker chair
near the rail, the young servant leaned forward to catch the whisper of a
breeze that might venture past. “Summer jest gettin’ started, but we’s already
feeling the misery. Don’t ’spect it’ll get better ’til after harvest.”
With the toe of one slipper, Natalie lazily propelled the
swing back and forth, the groan from rusty chains blending with the song of
dozens of cicadas high in the tree branches. Childish laughter drew her
attention to the sun-scorched lawn just down from the house where two small
boys—one white and one black—played with a reddish-brown dog, the three of them
rolling and chasing and generally doing what little boys and dogs do best.
Natalie smiled
despite the uncomfortable trail of sweat trickling down her back. She loved to
watch Samuel play, all innocence and goodness, free of the heavy burdens his
mother carried. “I believe my son will require two tubs of water to wash the
filth from him tonight.”
I’m eager to read
this one. How can readers find you on the Internet?
Thank you, Michelle,
for sharing this new book with us. I love that it is set in Texas where I live.
Readers,
here are links to the book.
The Widow of Rose Hill - PaperbackThe Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2) - Kindle
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9 comments:
I would so love to read The Widow of Rose Hill. Love the cover, books about plantations, and the name "Carolina", of course. :-) My hubby is the procrastinator in our family. I have to grab the bull by the horns & just do it or it'll bug me to death til I do! Thanks for the interview & giveaway opportunity.
Diana in SC
Diana, thanks for leaving a comment! I think you'll really like the character of Carolina. She's pretty sassy but very sweet too! :) Have a blessed day!
I'd love to read The Widow of Rose Hill. I enjoy historical fiction.
Caryl K in TEXAS
I would love to read this book. It looks so good. Thanks for the chance to win.
Faith in Colorado
Thank you, Caryl! Thank you, Faith!! Good luck!
Interesting! From my genealogy research, I discovered I had family members in Williamson County around that general time frame. I always enjoy historical fiction. Thanks for the introduction to a "new to me" author. Jane in TX
Nice to "meet" you, Jane! I love genealogy research! Very cool that some of your family lived in Williamson County during this period in time! I think you might enjoy reading this series, imagining your people living through it! =)
I am a fan of historical fiction and I actually liked history in school. This sounds like a lovely story and series.
Thanks for this giveaway.
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you, Connie! I didn't like history in school, but now I absolutely love it! Have a blessed day!
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