by Roseanna White | Oct 20, 2010 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
So after six months in Ancient Persia, a thought or two spared for the 1920s, and then a week in Regency England, I am yet again shifting gears. Why, you ask? What can she possibly be working on now?
Well, as it happens, it’s time to buckle down and work on my story set in
Annapolis of 1784. This story is penciled into a publisher’s 2012 schedule (this is nothing official, mind you, though promising), and the editor said she would want to see the full (or whatever I have done) in January or so. So . . . time to get something done on it!
I’ve been helping myself out by reading Golden Keyes Parsons’
Where Hearts are Free, which is set in 17th century Philadelphia. Not exactly 18th century
Annapolis, but closer than I’ve been, and it at least gets me in the mood for it. I also just joined a Colonial American writing list, which, again, technically cuts off about five years before my book starts, but that one I deem close enough. =) I think today I might break out my delightful book on the history of
Annapolis that shares hilarious insights like “he, like a proper English gentleman, died of the gout.”
I think I may also call the historical society down there and get them in on the fun of this. I’m really looking forward to diving into history that I’m already acquainted with, in a town whose historic district I’ve lived, schooled, and worked in. I just love
Annapolis.
And, of course, I get to dive back into the minds of my heroine seeking the liberty her brother just fought for, and my hero who needs to realize that this new country is about far more than duty. Yay!
Oh, on a side note, my companion guide for
Jewel of Persia is now complete and ready for your viewing pleasure
on my website.
by Roseanna White | Oct 19, 2010 | Uncategorized
Doing two drawing at once this morning. First, the winner of Vickie McDonough’s Second Chance Brides is . . .
Merry! (worthy2bpraised!)
Congrats! I’m sending you an email.
~*~
And the winner of Penny Zeller’s McKenzie is . . .
sonflower277 at gmail dot com
Congrats to you too! Off to email you both.
by Roseanna White | Oct 19, 2010 | Uncategorized
I was privileged to get to read The Snowflake by Jamie Carie before it released, and now that it’s available I’m excited to share this awesome Christmas story with you.
The Snowflake
The ice has closed in on their steamer, winter has descended on the frozen north in full power . . . and there’s still a long way to Dawson City. The call of the gold rush is strong enough that many of the men on the boat are willing to brave the tundra for their stake, but when Ellen’s brother insists they join the team that will dogsled into the Yukon, Ellen doesn’t know if it’s their best chance at life or certain death. But she knows one thing—Buck is leading the sledding team, and for some reason, she trusts him. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll survive till Christmas. And maybe, just maybe, this year Christmas will be worth celebrating.
Buck can’t believe the man with the strange glint in his eye has dragged his beautiful sister into this kind of situation, but he’s determined to keep her safe—as he couldn’t do his wife. He already lost one woman to the dangers inherent in this land. If he has to break his own rules to keep Ellen safe, then he will. Even if it costs him his heart.
Not since the work of Jack London have I felt so a part of the Alaskan wilderness. Jamie Carie has taken a dangerous journey through rugged terrain, tossed in two soul-weary sojourners looking for renewed intimacy with the Lord, and crafted a love story as delicate and startlingly beautiful as a snowflake.
The heroine, Ellen, combines vulnerability with strength of character in a way that made me love her immediately. Tied to her mentally-ill brother all her life, she’s never known anything but sacrifice. When she begins to see that the Lord loves her, sacrificed for her . . . ah—a sweeter creature you’ll be hard-pressed to find. And Buck! I love a strong, noble hero, and Buck delivers. Haunted by past mistakes, he’s nevertheless a man of limitless heart—the kind who, even when struggling with his own faith, manages to show others the love the Lord has for them.
The Snowflake is a short read that will stay with you a long time. You don’t want to miss curling up with this heart-warming story on a cold winter’s night this holiday season!
by Roseanna White | Oct 18, 2010 | Uncategorized
I’m far too excited about my new cover design to talk about anything else today. =) Many of my friends have already seen it on Facebook, but in case you missed it . . .
Isn’t it just awesome?? I am so stinking impressed with Tekeme Studios. For good reason, eh?
Story behind the cover–George of Tekeme couldn’t exactly find any images of Ancient Persia that he could use that were anything but ruins or museum exhibits, so he took what he could find, added an image of a fireplace mantel to serve as the entryway, and then went in and added all that color by hand. Isn’t he just above and beyond?? (Oh, and the dark spots you see on her arm is just the texture, which will be removed–I just didn’t want to wait for the next version to share with you, LOL.)
On a similar note, I’m in the process of constructing the Companion Guide for Jewel of Persia over at my website. If you hop over there, you can not only learn a bit about the culture and my sources, but you can see some of the other images of the cover model and some cool pics and paintings of Persia (for those of you who have already read my musings about the ancients on here). Let me know what you think! (And no, the guide is not complete yet–only the colored links are actually active. But the rest will be up today!)
Getting excited over here! This book is going to happen!!!
by Roseanna White | Oct 15, 2010 | Uncategorized
Today Jill Elizabeth Nelson’s with us again, this time to talk about her latest book, Legacy of Lies. Hope you’re a fan of romantic suspense! (I mean, really–who isn’t??)
Jill has offered a signed copy to one lucky reader, so leave your comments below with an email address. And be sure you’re a follower!
~*~
About Jill
Jill Elizabeth Nelson writes what she likes to read—tales of adventure seasoned with romance, humor, and faith, earning her the tagline: Endless Adventure, Timeless Truth. She was delightfully astonished this year to receive the prestigious Carol Award in the Short Contemporary Suspense category for her 2009 release, Evidence of Murder. Jill speaks regularly at conferences, writer’s groups, Library associations, and civic and church groups. When teaching classes for writers, she thrills to bring the Ahah! moment to her students as they make a new skill their own. Jill and her husband live in rural Minnesota where they raised four children and are currently enjoying their first grandchild. Visit Jill on the web at http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com.
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About Legacy of Lies
Secrets Buried Deep!
Evidence from a decades-old murder is the last thing Nicole Keller-Mattson expected to find in her grandmother’s back yard, but the finger-pointing and accusations leveled at her family came as no surprise. Everyone in Ellington is eager to blame the Kellers—but after an attack leaves Nicole’s grandmother in a coma, only Nicole can clear the family name. With the assistance of police chief Rich Hendricks, she stands a chance of solving the mystery . . . if she’s willing to accept Rich’s help. Nicole lost her policeman husband in the line of duty—getting close to another cop is too painful. But keeping her distance could be deadly.
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What’s your latest book?
Legacy of Lies released in September from Steeple Hill. I had a blast writing this story, because it gave me the opportunity to explore the politics of small-town life. As a life-long resident of a variety of rural communities, I had loads of personal experience and observation to draw from when crafting the story.
Oh, fun! I’ve always lived in smaller areas too, but I try to avoid the politics. =) What’s your favorite part of the story?
I really enjoyed writing the elderly characters in Legacy of Lies. Since the initial crime occurred half a century ago, the plot offered lots of interaction with a senior generation of characters. I’ve worked for nearly 20 years now in an elder-care setting—both assisted living and nursing home. Older folks constantly amaze me, some by their strength and maturity, and some by their behaviors in line with a second childhood.
What a unique twist to the story! Love it. Is there a theme to this book?
In Legacy of Lies, I was particularly interested to explore the affects past sins and secrets can have on a tight-knit community and how the illusion of power is always trumped by the immutable laws of God. We do reap what we sow, no matter how grand and invincible we imagine ourselves to be.
The scripture I used at the front of the book was Psalm 37: 10 – 11 from the NIV version of the Bible: A little while and the wicked will be no more; Though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. I comfort myself with these words quite often when I see the injustices in the world.
Very cool. And I recall interviewing you about the “generational curse” idea many, many moons ago. I love this new twist. Not exactly generational, but still the idea of sin being unable to escape its consequences. Okay, next question. What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
I’m writing in my favorite genre to read and write. The first novel I ever wrote was a mystery. That was in the sixth grade, and the world is grateful that not a shred of the manuscript yet exists. LOL. I’m a fan of puzzles of all sorts, so that tendency translates into my taste in reading material. I’ll lay a book down, though, if I can figure out “who dunnit” within the first few chapters. When I write, I’m a stickler about making the mystery aspect of my plot a challenge to figure out beforehand, and yet quite clear in hindsight once the truth is revealed. I leave my readers to tell me if I’ve succeeded.
What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the hardest (or unlikeliest) but most rewarding to achieve?
Ever since a goal-setting session at an American Christian Fiction Writers conference a couple of years ago, I’ve carried in my purse a blue, 3 X 5 index card bearing a list entitled, “Five ‘Impossible’ Goals for God to Make Possible.” One of those “impossibilities” came to pass a month ago when, Evidence of Murder, one of my 2009 releases won the ACFW Carol Award in the short romantic suspense category. Wha-hoo! I had considered that goal to be somewhere in the nebulous cloud of my long-term future. God sure worked fast!
(Roseanna interjecting a hearty “Congrats!!”)
One of the other items on my “impossible” list is the publication of a manuscript I wrote nearly a decade ago. The story remains near and dear to my heart, and I see vast ministry possibilities for it. Many have told me this story has a lot of strikes against it for traditional publication. Well, then, perhaps the Lord will do something untraditional. Hah!
I wouldn’t put it past him! =)
~*~
Thanks for visiting, Jill! Readers, you can check out her website at
http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com and find her books at
Amazon.
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Contest ends 10/21/10. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.