Dear Readers, I’ve known Debbie Lynne Costello online for a number of years, and I’m thrilled to introduce you to her with the release of her debut novel.
Bio: Debbie Lynne
Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was about eight years old. She
raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories
that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and
live in upstate South Carolina.
She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children's
Director. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen
years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband
take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.
Welcome, Debbie. Tell
us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I don’t think I write myself into my characters
deliberately, but it would be pretty hard not
to write some of yourself into them because who I am affects my beliefs
and my faith so I naturally write in that direction.
When did you first
discover that you were a writer?
I started writing stories at a young age of about 8 but I
never thought of myself as a writer. I took every writing class I could in high
school and then journalism in college. But it wasn’t until about 8 years ago
that I decided I wanted to write novels.
Tell us the range of
the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I enjoy reading my bible, some research books, anything in
the 19th century and anything in medieval times.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
I don’t! I always feel like things are crazy. God is the
only thing that keeps me together.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
I research the time period that my characters would have
been born and try to find a name that fits the character running around in my
head.
What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of?
My husband and I built the house we live in. I think that is
probably my biggest accomplishment. We are now looking forward to building one
last house in which we hope to retire.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
Yikes! I’ve never thought about being an animal. I guess I
would choose a horse. And anyone that knows me would have already guessed the
answer to that. Why would I be a horse? In hopes that I would be chosen for the
Lord to ride on in His return.
What is your favorite
food?
Chocolate covered coconut macaroons.
Yum! What is the
problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome
it?
Marketing. It seems that today we have to sell ourselves and
our books. I find that with all the social media, it’s hard to find the time to
write. I don’t know that I have overcome it. I struggle daily to balance my
everyday life and responsibilities with time for writing. The thing that does
work best for me is to stay organized with a schedule and lists. They keep me
on target.
Tell us about the
featured book.
After the death of her cruel father, Brithwin is determined
never again to live under the harsh rule of any man. Independent and
resourceful, she longs to be left alone to manage her father’s estate. But she
soon discovers a woman has few choices when the king decrees she is to marry
Royce, the Lord of Rosencraig. As if the unwelcome marriage isn’t enough, her
new husband accuses her of murdering his family, and she is faced with a challenge
of either proving her innocence or facing possible execution.
Royce of Hawkwood returns home after setting down a
rebellion to find his family brutally murdered. When all fingers point to his
betrothed and attempts are made on his life, Royce must wade through murky
waters to uncover the truth. Yet Brithwin’s wise and kind nature begins to
break down the walls of his heart, and he soon finds himself in a race to
discover who is behind the evil plot before Brithwin is the next victim.
Please give us the
first page of the book.
Brithwin gazed at her father's grey, lifeless face as she
crossed the room. Other than a pinprick to her conscience, there was no sorrow.
She faltered. Was his chest rising and falling? A dull roar filled her ears,
drowning out her pounding heart. She gasped. Nay. Nay! Hadn’t the priest said
his soul was at rest? Hadn’t she watched as the icy fingers of death slowly
robbed him of his last breath?
A shudder slithered through her body. Was it a sin to find
relief in his death? He couldn’t hurt her anymore. Surely God would not find
fault with her. Perhaps her father’s sudden passing was God’s punishment for
all the wrongs he had done her. The shuffling of feet brought her
contemplations to a halt.
“It’s all right to grieve, dear one—the tears will help you
heal.” Pater, a follower of John Wycliffe and branded a Lollard, laid his hand
on her shoulder.
Brithwin pushed aside her conflicting feelings. “You know
there is no sorrow in me for his death. Only relief that he is gone and anger
for what he has done.”
“Don’t let bitterness consume you. It will do your father no
harm, but it will slowly drain the joy from your life, my child.”
Brithwin turned her head away from her father’s still form
and looked into the empathetic eyes of a man who had suffered far greater than
she at her father’s hand. She spoke the words anyway. “If anyone has a reason
to be bitter, it is I. Isn’t a woman’s lot always bitterness?”
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
Thank you for having me on your blog, Lena.
I’m looking forward to meeting your followers.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Sword of Forgiveness (Winds of Change) (Volume 1)
- paperback Sword of Forgiveness (Winds of Change Book 1)
- 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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