ARTEMISIAN SUMMER - Rachael Acree - One Free Book

Dear Readers, it gives me great joy to introduce you to this up-and-coming author.

Welcome, Rachael. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

I think all of them have a little part of me in them. Some characters have more than others, and the main characters have the most. It’s hard to put it into words since I really don’t make a conscious choice about how much of me goes into them.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Embarassingly enough, I once drew a sword to scare off what I thought was an intruder in my apartment. I’d had a long and rough day at work so all I wanted was a hot shower and my bed, but when I got home, our downstairs neighbors were blaring a genre of music that I personally can’t stand. They had been doing it consistently for some time and this was just the straw that broke the camel’s back. So I found the most obnoxious Broadway musical I could find in my phone, cranked it to full volume and put it on the floor. I got done and noticed that they had turned the music down or off so I went to my room to get ready for bed. That’s when I thought I heard something in the living room and I realized I had forgotten to lock the front door, and in those apartments a strong wind could open the door if the deadbolt wasn’t locked. And then, of course, what any normal person would do would be to get dressed THEN find out where the noise came from. Is that what I did? No, I immediately grabbed my sword and went to investigate, all the while hoping I wouldn’t have to actually use it because I can’t wield it one handed. I went to the living room and looked everywhere with nothing to show for it. That’s when I heard the noise again coming from the kitchen. It was our ice maker. At least my over active imagination gets put to good use.

That sounds like something you would do, Rachal. When did you first discover that you were a writer?

It was in 2008, I believe. I’d had to drop out of college due to finances, so I came home and had no clue what I was doing with my life. Up ’til then I’d dabbled in writing fan fiction (because I’m an epic nerd). I remember finding a fanfic I wrote for Narnia and thinking it didn’t have much to do with the series beyond characters and location. So I struck out on my own to turn it into an original work. It was terrible and won’t see the light of day without extensive re-writes, but that was when I realized I could actually do this.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love fantasy, though I have to be careful of the spiritual content. I read a lot of YA, and of course romance is my go-to genre.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I make sure I carve out time for myself. Usually it looks like binge reading a great author or watching Netflix.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

It’s hard to say. Sometimes it’s as simple as a name that I just like, like Geneva. Sometimes I choose them specifically for their meanings. And then sometimes I’ll just go through a baby name book looking for something that stands out.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I was the first person in my family to graduate from college.

That’s wonderful. If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A penguin, because they’re adorable.

What is your favorite food?

Mmm depends on the mood? Though a general I’m always in the mood for is seafood.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

Honestly, inexperience. I had no idea what I was doing and it showed. But God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrated things so that I ended up in Lena’s critique group and that has made such a difference.

And I’m glad He brought you to us. You’re a real asset to the group. Tell us about the featured book.

Artemisian Summer was written for a summer novella collection in 2017. It was the first time I’d ever written anything on a deadline and it was so daunting. The gist of it is Abby, who’s had her heart broken, shows up at a summer camp for some time away from her problems. She needs to heal, and in doing so God brings her someone who loves her in spite of everything.

Please give us the first page of the book for my blog readers.

Abby exited the backseat of an Uber, her insides scrambled like eggs. Did I make the right decision? The car sped off spraying gravel behind it, a few of the rocks pinged her legs. She shed her hoodie, now too warm in the mid-May sun, and gathered it into her arms. The whole camp spread out before the front gate where she stood. The lake glistened in the sun that shone down from a cloudless sky. Just beyond that stood the zip-line platform and high ropes course. Abby shook her head thankful that, as the archery instructor, she could keep her feet firmly planted on the ground. Off to the left two long buildings took up most of the space along the road. She guessed that one housed the chapel since there was a cross bolted to the wall.

           

Here goes nothing. Abby tied her hoodie around her waist and extended the telescopic handle of her suitcase. There had to be an office sign somewhere. Or any directional sign for that matter. Dead ahead, the cabins were arranged in a semi-circle around a central green and what looked like a fire pit. As she walked, the cool air off the mountains teased a stray wisp of hair into her eyes. Clusters of trees dotted the verdant hilltop.

           

She had to admit, the layout of the camp was nice. There were enough modern conveniences so as not to send campers, or staff, into shock. Yet the whole thing had enough of a rustic feel that a person could easily escape the harsh realities of life, even if it was only for a few months.

           

After walking around and lugging her wheeled suitcase through gravel, Abby finally spotted a sign scrawled with “office” and an arrow to her right. She followed the sign to a lone building next to a beautiful garden, complete with Koi pond. When she turned the knob on the door, it stuck in the frame.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

By checking out my website, http://.www.rachaelacreeauthor.com  

From there you can connect with me through Facebook and Instagram. There’s also a link to my Amazon author page.

Thank you, Rachael, for letting me introduce your work to my blog readers. I absolutely love the story. By the way, I love your headshot.

Readers, here are links to the book.

Artemisian Summer - Paperback
Artemisian Summer - Kindle

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, 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