Welcome, Jewell. Tell us how much of
yourself you write into your characters.
I write a younger version of myself into characters that
include some of my faith, memories and desires.
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
I’m not a quirky kind
of person. I do put up an odd little black Halloween tree every year. It has
bats, pumpkins and funny white ghosts.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
On a plane during a business trip. I finished reading a bad
novel and decided I could write one. I did and it was bad, but it gave me the
determination to try again. And again.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I love history text books, cookbooks, mysteries, and of
course, historical romance stories.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I drink lots of hot tea, take long showers and read in bed.
I also have to watch an episode of Rifleman and M*A*S*H every evening or the
day isn’t complete. Each Rifleman episode gives a moral lesson and each M*A*S*H
makes me laugh.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Usually I picture the characters in my head and the names
just appear. Sometimes I’ll use the first name of a friend or family member
because they get a kick out of seeing their names in print.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My ability to re-invent myself. I’ve been a buyer, an
independent salesman, a teacher and now a writer.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
A spunky little Norwich Terrier. They are tough, smart and
extremely loyal. Plus they know how to have fun!
What is your favorite
food?
Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy with warm crusty
rolls.
What is the problem
with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Procrastination. I also teach full time and there are many
evenings when I’m tired and just don’t want to sit down at my writing desk. I
set a goal of a certain number of words a week and try to reach that goal by
writing a little every night.
Tell us about the
featured book.
Still Faithful is the second book of The Back to Omaha
Adventure series. It is set in 1870’s Omaha .
Undercover Pinkerton agent Jason Reynolds has tracked a loco ex-soldier accused
of stealing Confederate gold back to the home of the soldier’s ex-fiancé.
Jason, a lonely widower not only finds his man but falls for a feisty
shopkeeper, Arianna Quincy, who wants nothing to do with him. When the soldier
kidnaps Arianna by mistake, Jason risks everything to save her, but ends up
being rescued by her.
Please give us the first page of the book.
August 1870
Arianna Quincy
hurried into the mercantile, a scribbled list clutched in her hand. She
had two goals—purchase the needed items,
and talk her way into a job and a new life. Taking a moment to gather her
courage, she wandered over to the colorful bolts of cloth and picked up a
pretty calico.
“Awright everybody, just stay calm,
and keep your hands up where I can see ‘em. You, shopkeeper, open that till,
and be quick about it!”
Spotting a man brandishing a Colt,
Arianna’s eyes riveted on his face. A filthy hat was pulled low on his head,
and a bandana covered his mouth. She took a step back.
“Lady,” he said. “I mean it. Hands
up and don’t move.”
She raised her trembling arms, still
holding the cloth. Panic coursed through
her veins, and a lump lodged in her throat. What in heaven’s name. . . ?
He
swung his attention back to her cousin behind the counter and motioned with his
gun. “Hurry it up, I ain’t got all day. Just stuff the money in this here bag.”
Billy frowned, but did as he was
told. He placed the bills and coins in the canvas sack. “Uh, mister, you should
know this store belongs to the former sheriff, and his wife, and they aren’t
gonna take kindly to this.”
“Shut up, kid. Hand over some of
that there coffee and tobacco.”
At the soft step behind her, Arianna
swung her gaze to the left.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
www.tweedtjewell.blogspot.com
or tweedtjewell@gmail.com Thank you, Jewell for sharing your life and book with us today.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Still Faithful: A Back to Omaha Adventure (Volume 2)
- paperbackStill Faithful (A Back to Omaha Adventure)
- 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.)
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