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
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
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
His evil
laughter floated on the wind. “You cannot escape!”
She barely
heard him over the fierce storm. Thunder rolled and lightning flashed, but
How can readers find you on the Internet?
My website
is www.teresasmyser.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.
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
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:
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.
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!
Eep! Historical fiction is my favorite. Thank you for sharing a new author to me. Blessings from WV.
I love the cover! This book looks so good!
Abigail in VA
Ooh! This looks good!
Elly -Indiana-
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
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
Enter me in your awesome giveaway!!
Conway SC.
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.
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
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
Wonderful historical and fascinating interview. Anne - NM.
Thanks for this captivating novel and most interesting interview. Pearl in NM.
I love historical fiction and this first page sounds great! Thanks for sharing today.
Connie from Kentucky
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
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.
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.
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.
Elly you can get a taste of my writings by downloading my free story at my website. Enjoy!
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!
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.
Sharon. Good luck. But Whether you win here or not You can get a free story about Nicolas’s brother at my website. Enjoy!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
Thank you Ista! So glad you enjoy my stories. Watch for a way to win an audible version at my FB fan page.
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