Friday, June 18, 2021

THE WARRIOR AND THE LADY REBEL - Teresa Smyser - One Free Book

Welcome, Teresa. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.  For starters, I’m an imperfect person and that rings true for all of my characters. I’m also on a spiritual journey with Christ. Each day I try to imitate Christ’s attributes but oftentimes fail. Before I write my story, I choose one or two Godly principles that my character needs to learn and work it into the storyline. Some of my characters will have my sense of humor and possibly my attitude. I’ve been told I can be a bit feisty. My daughter says she can hear me when she reads certain passages. I try extremely hard to create three dimensional characters, but you might recognize me every once in a while.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? As a child I painted a cat, but we won’t mention that bad moment.

One year we had a family calendar on our kitchen wall where we wrote everyone’s schedules down. Each month had a picture of a baby or another scene at the top with the dates at the bottom. One year my son thought the picture on his birth month was horrible, so he took a marker and scribbled all over it. He later ripped it down and threw it in the trash after the month was complete. After he left the room, I pulled the crumpled page out of the trash can. I decided to keep the picture, and it showed up in his Christmas gifts. Years later the picture lives on. It is hidden in another unsuspecting person’s gift at Christmas. This tradition has been going on for over twenty years.

When did you first discover that you were a writer? Frequently, people ask if I grew up wanting to be a writer. Not exactly. As a young girl, it was quite common to find me in my bedroom reading the latest Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden books. Years down the road while rocking my baby girl to sleep, she asked to hear stories about a picture hanging on the wall or about her toys. She desired new fairytales each time we sat in the rocker for a nap. Actually, I believe it was her stall method. However, not until my daughter was in college did I consider penning my first novel. After she read several unexciting books, my daughter said, “Mom, you could write better than this.”

Challenge accepted! I was 52 years old. You’re never too old to learn a new craft. My passion for writing Christian fiction sprouted from her challenge.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. My favorite books to read are historical fiction. I love reading about places and times that I can only imagine about. Castles and historical homes are a fascination for me as well as the period clothing and challenges of that day. Who doesn’t love chivalry or a good western? I also enjoy an enticing mystery or a suspense book that keeps me reading late into the night and makes my heart race. I’m a big scaredy cat, so I can only handle a few of these each year.  

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? Putting Christ first in my life by reading my Bible, attending church and not stressing over things out of my control keeps me sane. I stopped watching the news long ago. When my sphere of the world throws ugly things at me, I pray to my God who is in control of this wacky world. I also try to limit my schedule by not always saying “yes” to requests—choose wisely! I’ve come to realize it’s OK for me to take time for myself and not work every second of the day. God never intended for us to stay busy all the time.

How do you choose your characters’ names? I look up names for the time period I’m writing and jot down male and female names along with the correct spelling. Spellings have evolved through the years. I already know my characters attributes, so I look for a name that “feels” right for their personality. It’s not a scientific way, just my personal choice. It’s funny because sometimes a name reminds me of someone from my school days I did or didn’t like. That plays a part in the selection as well. If we didn’t like each other, their name might be my villain. Haha.

I’ve used that villain tactic in my writing, too. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Aside from being a wife and mother, I’d say one of my favorite accomplishments was when I became a writer. In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing or where to turn, but I persevered to write and publish my first book, Heaven Help Us! This first book took me five years to complete but I never thought to give up. I joined a writer’s group and watched webinars on writing to better learn the craft. After accomplishing the initial book, I write and publish one book a year while holding down the job of wife, Mimi, and working a secular job. I found where there is a passion, I make time to pursue that passion. 

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? I would be a white, house cat with blue eyes. I’d relax during the day enjoying the adoration from those who love me, pounce on people when they don’t expect it, and then when everyone is gone, I’d do what I wanted. Run. Scatter stuff. Play with things off limits. Nap wherever I felt like it. Chase birds if I’m outside. Basically, have fun and lay around looking gorgeous! 

What is your favorite food? Are peanut butter and chocolate food? Haha. If not, I love food with tomato sauce like lasagna, spaghetti, or pizza and I’m not even Italian.

Yes, they are food and part of my diet as well. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Keeping my notes organized was my greatest roadblock with my writing journey. I’d look up information and jot it down on a sticky note, or a napkin, or a sheet of loose paper, or in a notebook. My research was scattered. When it was time to write about a certain character, talk about horseback riding or using a sword, etc. I’d have to stop my writing to locate my notes that might be in my purse, wallet, car, desk, or on the kitchen table. One year for Christmas my daughter got me a Character Development Journal. It’s been a life saver for me. All of my research about the place, people, foods, weather, etc., is now in one place. This is a fabulous resource when I’m writing the next book in the series. I’m able to go back to previous characters without trouble finding my notes.

That’s a wonderful idea. Tell us about the featured book. This is the first book in the Warrior Bride Series. It’s set in 1611 at the border of England and Scotland. The story follows the Fairwick family consisting of three brothers and one sister: Phillip, Nicolas, Thomas, and Brigette. For reasons out of his control, Nicolas, the middle brother, is Lord of the castle. When a dying woman, Elizabeth, is left on the Fairwick property, the family and village are thrown into chaos. Bizarre happenings trail Elizabeth. Danger, adventure, romance, and a bit of mystery abound in this Renaissance Tale. The reader can follow the journey of Nicolas and Elizabeth as God leads them through a dark tunnel of fear and bitterness into the place of light everlasting.

In book 2, 3, and 4 I’ve chosen a family member to continue the series.

Please give us the first page of the book.

August 5, 1611

Elizabeth’s eyes popped open to total darkness. What startled her awake? With heart pounding and blood rushing through her ears, she didn’t move.

There ... angry voices. Poppa argued with another man! Bam ... bam. She bolted upright at the sound. Frantically trying to untangle herself from the bedlinens, she heard a scream. Was someone hurting her grandparents?

In haste, she grabbed the sword she kept under the bed and stumbled toward the door. She rushed down the hallway toward the back stairway. She tiptoed halfway down and paused, listening. Hearing a door slam, she hurried on toward the kitchen.

Hoping to catch the predator unaware and knock him in the head with the hilt, she snuck up to the doorway and peeked around the edge. The kitchen stood empty. With the sword held at ready, she moved farther into the room. Her gaze darted around. The kitchen stool overturned. Blood dripped from the table and pooled on the floor. Fear choked her.

With heart pounding, she followed blood drops toward the kitchen door. Emerging into the yard, the raging storm slapped her in the face. Rain came down in torrents. Lightning struck. Where were Nana and Poppa?

She screamed, “Nana! Poppa!”

In a matter of seconds her drenched hair blocked her view. She raked her left hand through the matted mess and saw the barn engulfed in flames!

Oh no, Cinnamon! She dashed toward the barn to save her horse. She came to an abrupt halt when Sir Arthur emerged from the door holding a loaded crossbow. He yanked on the horse’s halter.

He’s trying to escape on Cinnamon!

Arthur looked up when the horse twisted in a circle. His eyes connected with hers, her body an easy target standing in the middle of the yard. With the cottage too far for Elizabeth to run back, she sprinted toward the trees before Arthur could get off a shot. She had to get away from him.

His evil laughter floated on the wind. “You cannot escape!”

She barely heard him over the fierce storm. Thunder rolled and lightning flashed, but Elizabeth kept running. If she could make it to her old tree house, she would be safe. Arthur didn’t know about her hideaway that Poppa had built for her. With a fleeting look backward, she saw two men running toward her. Thankfully, Cinnamon escaped.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is www.teresasmyser.com 

 www.facebook.com/teresasmyser 

www.goodreads.com

Thank you, Teresa, for allowing me to introduce my blog readers to your book. I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here are links to the book.

https://amzn.to/3q8r0iy

https://amzn.to/2TLsDGV

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 

27 comments:

IElliott said...

I live in Helena, Alabama. I love Teresa's Warrior Bride books. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and Teresa does such an excellent job of storytelling. I can't wait for her next new book.

Diana Flowers said...

It's always fun getting acquainted with new-to-me authors! Thank you, Lena & Teresa, for the interview & giveaway opportunity! Love the description & that cover is perfect! Love it!

Diana in hot, humid, but lovely SC!

Lucy Reynolds said...

Eep! Historical fiction is my favorite. Thank you for sharing a new author to me. Blessings from WV.

Abigail Mitchell said...

I love the cover! This book looks so good!
Abigail in VA

Elly said...

Ooh! This looks good!
Elly -Indiana-

Melanie Backus said...

Teresa is new to me and I am intrigued by her book. I would love to know more about Nicolas and Elizabeth.
Melanie Backus, TX

CRYSTAL said...

Teresa is a new author to me and her books sound like great intriguing reads. Love book cover. It calls to me to read it. Would love toread and review this book and your other books in print format.
The characters in the book sound intriguing and would love to see how they deal with ALL their problems and how they solve the. Also, would like to see if their solutions could be applied to any real life problems.
Great learning about you.
Crystal from PA in the USA

Sharon Bryant said...

Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.

Sunnymay said...

I always learn something from historical fiction. Being set in the 1600's, means women had to follow certain rules and had obligations. I like the costume on the book cover and find the fashion of the times to be quite elaborate.

Teresa Smyser said...

I want to thank each of you for your comments. I'm thrilled to have new readers interested in Nicolas and Elizabeth's journey. I enjoy writing about the period when chivalry abounds and who doesn't love a castle setting? Before writing any story, I think about the Biblical principles I want to "showcase" through my characters. My goal is to entertain as well as show how God's Word can apply to your life. You can hop over to my website, www.teresasmyser.com, to read a snippet about the story and while you're there, download my FREE Short Story about Nicolas's brother, Thomas. I'm happy to report that the audible book is complete. After my short family vacation, I'll be giving away a free audio copy with details on my FB Fan page. You're welcome to join the Fan page where you can stay up-to-date on tips and giveaways. https://www.facebook.com/groups/536868307723676. Again thank you for your interest. I also welcome questions through my email: authorsmys@gmail.com.
Teresa Smyser, Author

Kay Garrett said...

Thank you for introducing me to Teresa Smyser, a new to me author. Enjoyed reading the interview and learning about both author and book. Reading the excerpt from THE WARRIOR AND THE LADY REBEL had me placing this book on my Goodreads TBR list.

Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Kay Garrett from Mountain View, AR
2clowns at arkansas dot net

traveler said...

Wonderful historical and fascinating interview. Anne - NM.

petite said...

Thanks for this captivating novel and most interesting interview. Pearl in NM.

Connie Porter Saunders said...

I love historical fiction and this first page sounds great! Thanks for sharing today.
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

Teresa Smyser said...

Diana. I’m glad you like the cover and took the time to read my interview. I enjoy meeting new readers from all over. I hope you’ll take advantage of my free short story at my website. Blessings. Teresa.

Teresa Smyser said...

Lucy. Thank you for introducing yourself to me as a new reader. I hope you’ll take advantage of my free story at my website. Blessings.

Teresa Smyser said...

Thank you Abigail. Glad you like my cover. Hop over to my website for a free story to see what my writings is like. Enjoy! Blessings.

Teresa Smyser said...

Elly you can get a taste of my writings by downloading my free story at my website. Enjoy!

Teresa Smyser said...

Melanie. Thank you for your interest. You can read more at my website where you can also download a free story about nicolas’s brother Thomas. Enjoy!

Teresa Smyser said...

Crystal. I do like choosing one or more Biblical principles to include in each story and how those truths can apply to each of us. Learn more at my website where you can download a free story about Nicolas’s brother. Blessings.

Teresa Smyser said...

Sharon. Good luck. But Whether you win here or not You can get a free story about Nicolas’s brother at my website. Enjoy!

Teresa Smyser said...

You are correct. I learn so much through my research. It’s actually fun and very revealing. The fashion is pleasing to the eye but I must say I’m glad I don’t have to wear it. Haha.
I hope you’ll take advantage of my free story at my website. Enjoy!

Teresa Smyser said...

Kay. I’m glad you took the time to read about me. I enjoy getting to know new readers from all over. Thank you for placing my latest book in your TBR list.
You can also get a free story about Nicolas’s brother at my website. Blessings!

Teresa Smyser said...

Thank you Anne. I so enjoy researching this fascinating time in history but glad I live with modern conveniences. I hope you’ll avail yourself to my free story offered at my website. Blessings!

Teresa Smyser said...

Thank you Pearl for reading my interview. I also offer a free story about Nicolas’s brother at my website and an opportunity to win a free audible version by joining my FB fan page. Blessings.

Teresa Smyser said...

Connie. I too am from KY. Beautiful state and horses! Of course Elizabeth in The Warrior and Lady Rebel has a special horse too.
I also offer a free short story about Nicolas’s brother at my website. You can also join my FB fan page for a chance to win an audible version of my book. Blessings!

Teresa Smyser said...

Thank you Ista! So glad you enjoy my stories. Watch for a way to win an audible version at my FB fan page.