I believe each of my female protagonists have some
characteristic of mine, whether a weakness or a strength. An editor asked about
one of my characters, “Why would she do something without considering the
consequences?” Well, I have done such things before, even if they weren’t the
wisest. In my new book, The Gilded Curse, my main character
wonders if she has acquired some of her mother’s traits. I’ve certainly
wondered that before. Hasn’t everyone?
What is the quirkiest
thing you have ever done?
Some people might say it was when my husband and I became
volunteer caretakers at a lighthouse on an island off the coast of Maine . We were there ten
days and enjoyed it immensely. In fact, we loved it so much, we’re going to do
it again this summer.
That sounds like fun
to me. When did you first discover that you were a writer?
Probably when my Honors English teacher complimented my
writing. That pat on the back gave me belief that I could write, a belief
that’s carried on throughout my life. Never underestimate the power of giving
someone praise.
I so agree. Tell us
the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
My favorites are historical novels, particularly set around
the Civil War. But because my book club reads a variety of books, I’ve liked
some contemporary novels as well. I prefer stories with some suspense and a
little romance, because I want to keep guessing what’s going to happen and not
just about the romance.
How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?
Now that I’m retired, my children are grown, and I’ve moved
to a smaller town, it’s pretty easy. But when I lived in a big city with a high
pressure job and three growing boys, it was very difficult. Thanks to Christian
radio and programs like Focus on the Family, I was kept grounded while driving
in crazy, busy traffic.
How do you choose
your characters’ names?
Since I write historical fiction, I research popular names for
that era. For instance, if my character was twenty years old in the book, I
looked up popular names from her birth year. I also search for name meanings. I
once wanted to name a “bad guy” character a certain name, but when I researched
its meaning, I discovered the name had a very noble meaning. So I had to drop
that name and find another. Also, some of the characters in one of my books is
from Scotland , so I
researched popular names in Scotland
at that time. Thank God for the Internet!
I’ve learned a lot
about names on the Internet, too. What is the accomplishment that you are most
proud of?
Besides my children and grandchildren, I’d have to say
winning the Guideposts, Writers
Workshop in 2010. I’ve been a Guideposts’
reader most of my life and really admired the magazine and its founder, Norman
Vincent Peale, so being able to have my story published in that magazine was a
dream come true and a prayer answered. Since then, I’ve remained a Guideposts writer and am honored to be
associated with the people in that company.
If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?
An osprey. I think they’re really cool, and I love to watch
them and hear their cry. They live near the water and like to eat fish, and so
do I.
What is your favorite
food?
I have too many favorites, but I love seafood. I also eat a
lot of chicken. When they’re in season, I love watermelon and strawberries. And
then there’s dark chocolate …
Ah, yes, dark
chocolate. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock,
and how did you overcome it?
When I started entering contests, I discovered how fickle
judges can be. I’d get a really high score from one judge and a terrible score
from another on the same piece of writing. The critical remarks stung and threw
me into depression, making me want to give up. But eventually, I realized that
you can’t please everyone all the time, so I was encouraged by the high scores
and remarks, then evaluated the negative ones to see if there were any valid
points to take that would make the writing better.
Tell us about the
featured book.
The Gilded Curse is about a Alexandra Smithfield, a young woman
who is the sole heir to her family’s estate after the death of her brother at Pearl Harbor and the subsequent death of her mother.
Alexandra returns to Jekyll
Island
Please give us the
first page of the book.
PROLOGUE
December 1941
“Mother, how do you like the tree?”
Lexie lifted part of the popcorn garland to make it drape on
the tiny fir tree which perched on the small table. She glanced over her
shoulder to see Mother’s response.
Standing before the window of her room, Mother stared out.
Nothing. No reply.
Lexie sighed. At least she tried to bring Christmas into Mother’s
room at the sanatorium. Whether her mother actually understood or appreciated
the gesture was doubtful. Lexie resumed her efforts to decorate the tree,
humming along with Benny Goodman’s Band playing “Jingle Bells” on the radio.
Maybe the music would help Mother make the connection between the tree and the
coming holiday. But so far, no recognition had registered.
She left the tree and joined her frail mother, once so
lively and beautiful, at the window.
“Would you like to go outside, Mother?” Lexie noticed other
residents and their Sunday afternoon visitors enjoying the bright winter day as
they strolled the manicured grounds.
Was that a nod?
“Good, we could use some fresh air. I’ll get our coats. It’s
chilly out. I see a light snow falling.”
Lexie retrieved the garments and began putting Mother’s hat,
scarf, coat, and gloves on her while the woman stood like a mannequin being
dressed. Next, Lexie donned her own wool coat and hat and gently grabbed her
mother’s elbow, leading her to the door. As Lexie opened the door, her mother’s
eyes widened and she stepped backward.
“Mother, what is it?” Oh no. Not this again. “Don’t you want
to go …
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
My website is http://pathwayheart.com,
and I have two blogs on it – a Lighthouse blog and The Writer’s Path.
I’m on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.turk.9.
And Twitter at http://twitter.com/MarilynTurk
And Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/bluewaterbayou/.
Thank you, Marilyn,
for sharing your new book with us. I’m eager to read it.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
The Gilded Curse
- paperbackThe Gilded Curse - Kindle
Readers, here’s a link to the book. By using it when you order, you help support this blog.
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. (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 Goodreads, Google+, 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
