Welcome back,
Kathleen. Why do you write the kind of books you do?
I am compelled to share the hope that is given to me in
Jesus Christ, and the best way I know to do that is through stories of
redemption. I set out to show my characters navigating real life situations
that are beyond their natural ability to manage. God’s intervention has been
real in my life, and I hope to show what that looks like in the lives of my
fictional characters. Even though the work may be fictional, I don’t spare the
realistic detail of how these answers manifest.
Besides when you came
to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
My happiest day actually wasn’t the day I was saved. I hope
that isn’t blasphemy. I know it was the most important day, but I was six years
old, my parents’ marriage was crumbling, and I was at a Bible camp surrounded
by strangers, away from my safe routine. But something happened in that moment
which has given me the peace that has made a foundation for a secure life, despite
the odds stacked against the child of an alcoholic. To me, that’s more
important than happiness, which can be fleeting.
To answer the question about my happiest day, it was
probably my wedding day.
How has being
published changed your life?
Having books out there as a hybrid author has done a few
things for me. When I landed my first traditional contract, I felt affirmed,
that my calling wasn’t just a wish or a want. And then, there’s the longing
fulfilled of sharing characters and messages that have been on my heart for
ages—it’s a thrill when others connect. I truly hope my stories will make a
difference in others’ lives, in the way they see themselves, their
circumstances, and the God who cares and still answers prayer.
What are you reading
right now?
I’m reading an Indie book called Lane Steen by a talented new voice, Candace West Posey. She weaves
a story of an underprivileged young lady who finds redemption through education
and the kindness of a mentor, until she meets the Lover of her soul. The
writing is lyrical and creates an atmosphere in which I can readily escape. I
think we’ll be seeing more from her in future.
I’ll have to look her
up and invite her on my blog. What is your current work in progress?
I’m currently working on Book 3 in Sons of the Shenandoah
Series, called No Man’s Daughter.
Love was the last thing on Benjamin Sharpe’s mind, seeking to
settle the farmstead adjacent to his father’s land. The fiery young lady squatter
he encounters is more untamed than the neglected property. If he’s to prove
himself to his father and his older Civil War veteran brothers, he’ll have his
work cut out for him. Lee may have surrendered, but as far as she’s concerned,
the war’s still on!
What would be your
dream vacation?
I’ve been dreaming of taking a cross country road trip with
my young adult kids to see America .
So much is changing, and so fast, I just want to capture this moment in time
before revisionist history or catastrophe changes the literal or political
landscape.
How do you choose
your settings for each book?
I’ve written three novellas and two novels so far, plus two
novel works-in-progress, and the settings vary. Of course, the series has common
ties. All three have the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia as the axis from which they turn. But choosing setting also involves my other
loves—whether it be my fascination with the history of New York , my home state, or my Irish ancestry.
Nineteenth century America
is the time period for all but one. That outlier chose a made-up medieval town
in Europe as its setting, since the part-fairy
tale and part-allegory called for it. Think all the campy fun of The Princess Bride meets Shrek, but without the adult humor.
If you could spend an
evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
I think I would love an evening with Melania Trump. I can think
of a million questions I would ask her, from being the wife of the most
powerful and resolute leader in the world, to parenting a brilliant young man
who some speculate might be on the autism spectrum, to asking her beauty tips
and secrets. And I suspect there is a strong religious faith there, too. I would
love to know more about her.
What are your
hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I paint and have an art page on facebook where I take commissioned
pet portraits. I am a passionate gardener, but have so much to learn… And I
recently forayed into raising puppies. I will probably not do that again soon.
They were fun, for sure, and adorable, but the stress was more than I bargained
for. But pets will always be a passion.
What is your most
difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
I have had a hard time committing to writing due to the general
lack of monetary compensation. My husband works in human services, and we will never
be rich on his income. I struggled with wanting to contribute, but knew the way
I am made, I can’t both write and work—my brain just doesn’t allow it. So it
has slowed my progress. I think having a couple of contracts has helped ease my
guilt. It enabled me to invest what advances I earned toward the expenses of Indie
publishing, so at least I can break even.
Prayer and encouragement from the writing community has been
the biggest factor keeping me going forward.
What advice would you
give to a beginning author?
I would encourage those starting out to find a critique
partner, a mentor, and to write what you love. I am so grateful for ACFW who
connected me with my best friends and critique partners. Writing groups like
that offer a wealth of resources to help people in all stages grow in craft and
business sense.
Tell us about the
featured book.
The Chaplain’s Daughter, Book 2 in Sons of the Shenandoah series.
A minister’s daughter abandoned during war must rely on
faith to survive. A wounded widower feels God has forsaken him. Will her devout
care bring medicine to his soul or rub salt in his wounds?
This series follows the sons of Virginia horse trader Sam Sharpe through and
after the Civil War. Book two focuses on the eldest son Captain Gideon Sharpe.
It is a story that explores an unlikely hero—a broken man in desperate need of
restoration—and the mending of the masculine soul. It explores the roles of men
and women, and how modern fads and ideology cannot change who God made us to be—unique
and equal but not same or interchangeable.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
August 30, 1862
Ellen White jolted on her bed roll and her dream of home
faded into the predawn hour. A noise filled her A-frame tent, leaving her
blinking into the darkness.
The sound which had woken her came again, a moan so near the
hairs on her neck tingled. Raising the tent flap, she focused bleary eyes out
onto the dim camp avenue. A man lay not two feet away on a stretcher, shivering
despite the heat.
Ellen sat up and pushed tendrils of hair from her forehead
to gain a better look at the wounded man. His ragged breath and stifled groans launched
waves of urgency through her.
But then, knee boots stepped in front of her tent, blocking
her view.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/
and on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kathleenlmaher
Thank you, Kathleen, for sharing this
new book with my blog readers and me. Both the beautiful cover and the first
page have made me eager for the arrival of my copy, so I can dive into the
story.
Readers,
here are links to the book.
The Chaplain's Daughter (Sons of the Shenandoah) - PaperbackThe Chaplain's Daughter (Sons of the Shenandoah Book 2) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.
A print book if the winner is from the US . An ebook if the winner is in a
foreign country. 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, 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:
Thank you so much Lena for having me on your blog with my latest release. I’m delighted to be here and I look forward to interacting with your readers.
ReplyDeleteOh OH Oh, this is a lesson, have to reread this a few times...
ReplyDeleteI am so delighted with my signed copy I got today !!! So love this
Story!!! You write the most enchanting stories..
Love You...
Linda Marie Finn
Faithful Acres Books
You’re an awesome encouragement. Thank you Linda Marie
DeleteI enjoy historical fiction and this sounds like two hurt souls that need healing and may be able to help each other. Vivian Furbay of CO
ReplyDeleteHi Vivian. You summarized it well. I hope the happily ever after seems a good fit for their struggles. ☺️ Good luck in the drawing
DeleteWow!! Thanks for sharing this! I read The Abolitionist’s Daughter and loved it!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for a chance to win this book!! It sounds awesome!!!
Hi, Paty. Thank you for your kind words about book 1. The characters are like family to me, I spent so much time with them. 😉 Good luck in the drawing
DeleteThanks for this opportunity!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you Connie 💕
DeleteKathleen, I am inspired by your willingness to write your books in hopes of spreading the gospel. In a world against Christianity, it takes someone strong in their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ to carry the gospel. I pray more and more people will start putting God out there.
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a very wise lady. Knowing yourself enough to know you can’t write and work outside your home and sticking to it, not trying to do so much you can’t do it all well. I have fought with that issue every since becoming an adult.
I have “The Abolitionist’s Daughter”, but have not been able to get to it yet. I look forward to reading “The Chaplains Daughter”. It would be really awesome to have a signed paper back of it from you. Thank you for the chance to win it. That’s very generous.
Blessings to a fellow sister in Christ
Kathy from Central Texas
Aw, Kathy your words really blessed me. Thank you for your kindness. God has been so real to me I just can’t help sharing what I’ve seen and heard, even if it’s through story. I hope Book 1 blesses you, and best wishes with all your endeavors for Him. Maybe Book 2 will find its way to you as well. 😉
DeleteThank you for sharing this great book and the wonderful opportunity!
ReplyDeleteMelanie Backus, TX
Thanks Melanie! I appreciate your visit. Good luck in the drawing.
DeleteThank you for the review & giveaway!!! This sounds like such a good read! Jennifer from West Michigan living in West Texas.
ReplyDeleteHi Jennifer. I’m a sucker for Cinderella stories and this one came from a place of struggle I didn’t realize I was processing. I hope it brings a few hours of enjoyment and a message of hope
DeleteHistorical fiction is my favorite. Sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you for the chance.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lucy. I hope you get a chance to read it. Good luck!
DeleteCivil War era books are so interesting. A lot of wonderful stories have come out of such a challenging time. The cover is lovely & that first page just grabs ahold of you . Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteRobin in NC
Even though I am from the north, I have such a fascination for the southern history during the war. I understand that people felt they were fighting to preserve their homes, and that less than 3% of the population owned slaves. I love the chivalry of the time.
DeleteThanks for coming by Robin. Good luck in the giveaway
Thank you for the chance to win a copy of "The Chaplain's Daughter", it sounds like a wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteWendy in South Sioux City, NE
wfnren at aol dot com
Hi Wendy. Thank you for visiting. Good luck in the drawing
DeleteCan't wait to read this!
ReplyDeleteAbigail in VA
Thanks Abigail. I see you are from Virginia. Most of the story is set in your beautiful state. I hope you get a chance to read it. Good luck in the drawing
DeleteI live just down the road from where this lovely heartfelt sounding story takes place. Thank you so much Kathleen for sharing your wonderful gift of storytelling with all of us.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind words Ansel. Thank you. I might need to pick someone’s brain who lives there locally ;-) Appear in New York where I live, the bed rock is slate. I’m curious what stone walls and foundations would have been made of in the Valley.
DeleteThe Civil War has long interested me, and I would love to read your books!
ReplyDelete-Melissa M. from TN
Thank you Melissa. I would love for you to read them too :-)
DeleteKathleen, it truly is a small world as I grew up on a dairy farm in the Catskills and my brother lives on Cayuga Lake. The most common field stone in this area of Virginia is exposed limestone and sandstone. We also have many quarries in the area that produce various types of Granite.
ReplyDeleteThat’s wonderful information. Thank you so much. Oh, and Cayuga lake is one of my favorite places!
DeleteThe Civil War and reconstruction have long been of interest to me. Thank you for sharing and the opportunity to win! jeaniedannheim(at)ymail (dot) com from Phoenix
ReplyDeleteHi Phoenix. I’m so glad you came by and best of luck in the drawing. It is a fascinating time that still resonates today.
Deletesounds like a amazing book! Shelia from Mississippi
ReplyDeleteHi Shelia! Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my interview. Happy to have you in the running for the giveaway
DeleteEnter me in your awesome giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteConway SC.
Thank you Sharon!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in your amazing giveaway Thank you SARAHTAYLOR601974atyahoodotcom Waterloo, Ohio
ReplyDeletePlease enter me in your amazing giveaway Thank you SARAHTAYLOR601974atyahoodotcom Waterloo, Ohio
ReplyDelete