Welcome, Murray. Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
I don’t suppose it’s always conscious but I’m sure a lot of
me gets in there, especially into the hero and what I think is the right thing
to do or say. I think I always put into my leading characters, male or female,
the qualities I most admire and which I want to exhibit more of myself.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
Dressing up as a Puritan – hat, shirt, pants, shoes – and
daring to present a major paper on the Puritans at a college seminar in that
outfit. I used an English accent as well. Both of the profs were Oxford men with a good
sense of humor and I got away with an A, thanks be to God.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I was writing stories on 3x5 index cards when I was eight or
nine and the passion never left me.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
One bookshelf has US, British, and Canadian history as well
as the history of many other nations or eras or events. Another has literature
from around the world – Ireland ,
England , France , Spain ,
Israel , Vietnam , America ,
Canada ,
etc. Another has the literature of ancient Greece
and Rome .
Another has historical fiction and sea fiction and westerns. Another has books
on Christian life and prayer and theology. Another has books that aid in the
study of the Bible, books on Greek and Hebrew and Aramaic, as well as commentaries.
And so on. Pretty eclectic.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
Each day has to have its balance of fresh air, slow walks,
prayer, meditation, making-your-heart-beat-fast exercise, work (in my case
writing), interaction with others, enjoyment of books, movies, TV, computer,
and decent food and sleep. You have to be disciplined to try and get as much of
that balance as you can but it pays off.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Many times I use the names of friends or acquaintances, though
never giving them their actual surnames. In the case of the Amish I look up
different Biblical names. When it comes to other cultures or eras I search out
names authentic to the culture and time period.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
An Alaskan Malamute has the beauty of the North and the wolf
but the friendliness of a good dog. I’d like that mix of the wild and the free and
the devotedness to humans.
What is your favorite
food?
I like 1% cottage cheese a lot – tastes good, fills you up,
lots of protein, low calories. I also like sweet potatoes a lot, also very
tasty and nutritious.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Getting noticed by larger publishers who reached a larger
market of readers. An agent made the difference with that but, of course,
getting an agent didn’t do it all. Once he opened opportunities for me I still
had to produce good books and stories that editors and readers would think
highly of.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
April 1916
“Go girl, go!”
Victoria Danforth leaned into her horse’s neck as it broke
out of the forest and drove toward the sea cliff at full gallop.
“Come on, Robin! The man is gaining!”
A green ribbon flew from Victoria ’s head and her long auburn hair
burst loose. She struck the sorrel’s flanks with the heels of her black leather
boots.
Give me more, my girl, just a bit more!”
The shining sea drew closer and closer. A wind that carried
the bite of salt water stung Victoria ’s
nostrils. Face flushed by the wild ride, eyes glittering like a cat’s, she
cried out a final time.
“All you’ve got, my beauty!”
And then she hauled back on the reins, turned the mare’s
head to the left, sprang from the saddle, and hit the ground boots-first with a
shout. The horse dug in all its hooves and tossed up mud and stone and grass.
The cliff edge was only a few yards away when she stopped.
“Good, girl, that was lovely, that was grand!” Victoria stroked the
animal’s neck and mane. Both horse and rider were panting. “What a gorgeous
view! I’ll never tire of it.”
The brisk ocean breeze pushed back the auburn hair from Victoria ’s
How can readers find you on the Internet?
Thank you, Murray, for the interesting interview.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Ashton Park (The Danforths of Lancashire)
- paperbackAshton Park (The Danforths of Lancashire)
- KindleLeave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (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 Google +, Feedblitz, Facebook, 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
