RESCUING ROSE - Susan Pope Sloan - One Free Book

Welcome to my blog, Susan. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters. Probably more than I think! My family could answer that better than I, but I do think Noah’s tendency to be a rules-keeper and Rose’s intense love of learning come from me.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done? I don’t know that I’d call anything I’ve done quirky, but stupid? Yes. Embarrassing? Yes.

Like sitting through the wrong funeral service, mistaking one person for another—with an enthusiastic hug, hitting my elbow hard enough to pass out…the list goes on.

When did you first discover that you were a writer? I wrote a poem for the school newspaper in sixth grade and remember working all my spelling words into a story about the same time, so that’s the first inkling I had. In eleventh grade, I was given the opportunity to take creative writing as an elective, and that clinched it.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading. Historical fiction is my favorite, of course, but I try to read a mix of contemporary romance, women’s fiction, and cozy mysteries. Within my critique groups, I was surprised to find that I also enjoy YA Dystopian and even an occasional thriller.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world? When weather permits, I enjoy bike riding or walking in our local parks. Being in nature is the best relaxation technique.

How do you choose your characters’ names? My best resource for names is U.S. Census records. A simple internet search brings up names popular for each decade. I also saved a couple of old corporate phone lists from my previous employer and look through those when I’m stumped.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of? Having three children who turned out to be wonderful adults. Second would be completing my novels (four so far).

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why? A donkey because donkeys are low-key, domesticated work animals that are usually docile but can be stubborn.

What is your favorite food? That’s a hard one. I eat a lot of chicken, so I’ll stop with that.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it? Learning about how to get published. I tried with my first novel years ago but grew discouraged. I also went to a few conferences over the years—all before the Internet. When I found the North Georgia Christian Writers Conference and learned about Word Weavers, I realized I had to learn about the marketing side of writing before I could get published.

Tell us about the featured book. I first heard about the real incident that’s covered in Rescuing Rose from a coworker who was a Civil War Reenactor. When I researched the event, I found only one novel which was 30 years old and one scholarly work, which became my primary resource. Knowing most of the women (who were arrested and sent north by Sherman) had no education and no way of contacting their men, I felt strongly that their story needed to be shared. In this book and the two sequels, I follow a group of women and explore what their lives might have been like.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Thursday, July 7, 1864

Roswell, Georgia

Something foul was afoot, and this time it was more than a few mice chewing on the machine belts.

Her loom slowed without warning, and Rose Carrigan clutched at the cotton threads tangled in her fingers. The customary high-pitched whine in the room plummeted to a deep growl as all the machines shuddered to a stop. Shuttles paused mid-sweep, setting the bobbins that fed them to dancing on their spindles. Puffs of cotton drifted like falling snowflakes in the still air.           

The wide-eyed faces of her co-workers mirrored Rose’s bewilderment. A glance at the narrow window to her left revealed the hazy blue of a summer sky. Hours until quitting time.

Whispered questions buzzed but dropped like swatted mosquitoes at a sudden commotion.

A column of blue-clad soldiers burst through the door.

The bearded leader glowered at the workers. “Out! Everyone outside, now!”         

The order bounced from wall to wall. Pointing their rifled muskets, the Union soldiers swept down the aisles and prodded the workers away from their stations.

Dear God, the war had arrived at Roswell’s door. Men with fierce expressions crowded closer. The odor of sweat and filth on their wool uniforms robbed her breath. Memories threatened, but she forced them back.

How can readers find you on the Internet? I’m on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. My website is https://susanpsloan.com

Thank you, Susan, for sharing Rescuing Rose with my blog readers and me. My copy has arrived, and I’m eager to read it.

Readers, here’s a link to the book.

https://www.amazon.com/Rescuing-Rose-Rescued-Hearts-Civil/dp/194226562X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682524012&sr=1-1

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