by Roseanna White | Jan 4, 2010 | Uncategorized
First, don’t forget to hop back to
Friday’s blog and comment for a chance to win a copy of Linore Rose Burkard’s
The Country House Courtship.
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One of the interesting things about my current contemporary is that I have a character who’s pretty much lived in a different century most of her life. As a nomadic Bedouin, she didn’t have a lot of the modern conveniences we all grew up with. Though the tribes have vehicles (usually Toyota Land Cruisers from the ’80s, actually), they’d be far from luxurious. And things like cell phones, television, computers? Um, no.
It’s a challenge to try to put myself in her mindset and see what would really strike her about a modern American city like D.C. Would she be unaccustomed to the noise of traffic? Would civilization smell funny to her? Would she be taken by surprise when she mentions a headache and someone shoves medicine at her? (I’m assuming that they’d have medication but would save it for the serious stuff–and for the men.)
Even harder is trying to grasp the social ideas this woman would come with. Largely it’s a simple Middle Eastern way of thinking. I say simple, but the fact is that I don’t actually know any Middle Eastern women. Thankfully, I have a friend who does, and she’s helping me out on this. =) Plus, the Bedouins would be even more out-of-modern-thought than someone from a city in the Middle East. So toss in some thought from previous centuries.
But one thing that makes it interesting and gives me a little leeway is that, because they’re nomadic, Bedouins tend to be a law unto themselves within a tribe. While some tribes are strictly Muslim, others observe it only in name. While some are more forward thinking as regards women, others keep a harsh rule over them. So to a point I can just make it up, ha ha ha.
For an author who writes both historicals and comtemporaries, this is proving a fun way to mesh them. When old-fashioned runs straight into high-tech you can’t help but have some sparks. And that’s what makes the pages fly by.
by Roseanna White | Jan 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
For my very first My Friend Friday Interview and Giveaway, I’m featuring Linore Rose Burkard and her Regency romance that releases today (woo hoo, Linore!) The Country House Courtship. Hope everyone enjoys getting to know this lovely lady and hearing about her Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul.
Linore has graciously offered to give away a signed copy of her book, so leave a comment for a chance to win!
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About The Country House Courtship
England, 1818: It has been five years since Ariana Forsythe married The Paragon, Mr. Phillip Mornay. Now, Ariana’s sister, Miss Beatrice Forsythe, is seventeen and determined to 
marry advantageously as well. (Surely Ariana’s society connexions all but guarantee Beatrice’s success-especially if Mr. Mornay is created a baronet by the Prince Regent!
But the Mornay’s have disappeared from high society as they raise a family at their country estate. Can Beatrice persuade them to chaperone her in London? And what about her business with the curate, Mr. O’Brien, whom Beatrice rashly promised to marry years earlier? She is too sophisticated now to settle for a mere clergyman-despite his agreeable countenance and gentle, understanding ways. When Mr. Tristan Barton becomes tenant of the Manor House, Beatrice’s hopes seem to have found their object. But when Ariana falls gravely ill, secrets come to light, motives are revealed, and pretenses that are easy to keep up in the darkness begin to crumble. As hearts are bared and truths uncovered, a country house courtship like no other cannot be far behind!
Fans of Linore’s first books, Before the Season Ends, and The House on Grosvenor Square, will be delighted with final addition to the Regency Inspirational Series, as will all readers of historical romance.
About Linore
Linore Rose Burkard creates Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen Soul. Her characters take you back in time to experience life and love during the Regency England era (circa 1800 – 1830). Ms. Burkard’s novels include Before the Seasons Ends, The House in Grosvenor Square and, The Country House Courtship. Her stories blend Christian faith and romance with well-researched details from the Regency. Readers experience a romantic age, where England from the past comes alive and happy endings are possible for everyone!
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What is your latest book?
The Country House Courtshipis the third and final edition of the Regency Series with Harvest House; but each of the three books can stand alone, and Country House is no exception.
What’s your favorite part of the story?
The falling in love of the hero and heroine, of course! I also really enjoyed having some of the characters from earlier books being themselves in humorous ways in this new story. You get to see people you already care about (if you read the other books) reacting to new situations and events and I think that’s always fun.
What was the hardest part to write?
I had to research a great deal about the workings of the 19th century Anglican Church, and about livings, and how it all worked. Mr. O’Brien begins as a curate and ends up in way of becoming a vicar, and I had to make sure I was having him move up the ranks correctly. Surprisingly enough, it wasn’t easy to nail down the exact procedures for how this happened, but I did find some really good books in the end, which helped me get it right.
What do you hope your readers will get out of the story?
In all my regencies, I hope to have a combination of elements which will delight and challenge readers. I intentionally include humor, romance, omniscient point-of-view (for many scenes, but not all); and I try to offer a glimpse of the gospel at its simplest; How child-like faith can be saving faith. I like readers to feel that they are on vacation in another time and place, to get lost in the story, and to soak up the historical atmosphere, just as I do when I’m writing it.
Is there a theme to this book?
If I were to put my finger on a theme, it would be that the desires we think we must meet, are not always the ones our heart most needs. Beatrice (the heroine) begins the book with a goal based on what she thinks she can have, and wants to have, in a husband. In life. But by the end of the book, she finds out that not every glittering thing is gold, as they say; and that when you fall in love with the right person, all the reasons in the world that seemed to stand between you and that person don’t matter a fig anymore. Love is greater than reason, than logic, than anything, really. I don’t mean that a woman shouldn’t use her mind when choosing a man to get serious with—not at all. But that just because he doesn’t have everything she thinks she needs doesn’t mean their love won’t work. A man who is eligible—single, good, a man of faith, of sound mind, and good intentions—whether his vocation appeals to you or not, he may be the one God has for you.
What are you reading right now—and what do you want to read next?
I got a Kindle for my 25th wedding anniversary from my husband just recently, so I’m reading “Hugh Wynne: Free Quaker” on it. I came across the book by accident, saw that it had a copyright date of 1899 and immediately downloaded it. And it’s great! (It was also free. I’ve found that the reading I like best— by 19th century authors—is often free, since the copyright has expired. ) Anyway, after I’m done with this, I’ll be reading The Glassblower, a new release by fellow author Laurie Alice Eakes, which I”ll do a review on.
What’s one of the oddest or most interesting things someone has ever said about you?
Very likely the oddest or most interesting thing said was something I never heard! (Not meant for my ears) But I think a profound thing a college friend of mine said was that I’m a free spirit. It’s sort of a cliché but in my case it was profound because she was exactly right, and I hadn’t realized it yet. I’ve discovered that to be free in the Lord is a completely different animal than “freedom” in the broad sense, and God has had to remind me more than once of all the many ways I’m not “free.” But it is in precisely these areas that I find my deepest happiness, and meaning for life.
Is there any one thing or reference you keep handy when writing? Anything you kept around for this particular book?
I think each book has its own “must-have” desk companion. For The House in Grosvenor Square, I practically memorized portions of The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue; and for Country House, I had to keep a book about the 19th Century Church of England within reach.
If someone were to give you $5,000 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy? (No saving allowed!)
A trip to London.
What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the hardest (or unlikeliest) but most rewarding to achieve?
To write a screenplay that would be a big hit with romantic comedy fans, and still be true and honoring to God.
What are you writing right now?
The book that could be that romantic comedy hit! (Only God knows.)
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Thanks, Linore, for joining us! She has a fabulous website set up with Regency tidbits and some truly gorgeous pictures, and a lovely blog you should check out too.
To purchase an autographed copy of The Country House Courtship, you can buy from Linore here. Or from Amazon or ChristianBook for regular copies.
Contest will end on 1/7/10
by Roseanna White | Dec 31, 2009 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
Well, here we are on the last day of 2009. Kinda hard to believe, isn’t it? In a lot of ways, it’s been a busy year. And in some ways, I feel like I got nothing done.
What have I accomplished this year? Well, I’ve met my goal for books produced (though I didn’t set a strict one, I did finish each of the ideas I had through the year and wanted to complete). I made it back to the ACFW conference, got to hug my friends. I’ve done some organizing (that has since become disorganized again, only to be worked on again, lol), and I’ve held my own in the mommyhood thing. Got Xoe started in Story Time to get her out a bit, and I’ve done some preliminary research into schooling for her.
My career didn’t exactly take off in leaps and bounds as I had hoped it would, and that’s always sobering. But I’ve made strides there. I have an almost-contract on the line, I’ve delivered new manuscripts to my agent that she’s confident in, and of course Stray Drop went into its second printing.
I’ve also gotten terrible at finding/making time for my devotions. It’s hard, given that I used to do them in the morning, and I just don’t have mornings to myself anymore. And since Rowyn dropped his first nap, ditto on exercising.
So goals for 2010 might as well start there. My biggest goal is to keep my focus on the Lord–I know if I can do that, the rest will fall into place. Ideally I want to find time every day for my Bible, with the understanding that if I don’t, I can always find time for prayer (which I tend to forget).
I really want to get back to exercising, too. Not sure how, but hopefully Rowyn will soon be able to entertain himself for half an hour without getting under my feet.
There are a few personal goals that delve into the deep-of-the-heart stuff, like not giving into bitterness or resentment when people don’t just understand what I want and need and deliver it. Nothing makes me grumpier than falling into the “Why do I have to do everything??” way of thinking. We’re all much happier when I stave that off and focus on all the things everyone else does.
I also have some goals that are somewhat beyond my control–not beyond God’s, though, so they’re things that will be prayed heavily over. Most of these are career-oriented. I would love to have a solid contract (or two) soon. It would be awesome if Stray Drop won one of the awards I’m entering it for. And of course I’d like to produce some new books to send out into the big, bad publishing world. I want/need to find ways to get Stray Drop into the hands of more people–not just for the profit (thought it would be nice if WFP could pay off the investment they put into it, lol) but because I truly believe in the story.
Need to get back on the Christian Review of Books horse too–I’ve been neglecting that terribly. But promoting others and alerting readers to what’s available is such a rewarding calling.
We also need to pin down our exact plan for Xoe’s schooling this year. And I need to find ways to prioritize my time so that we all get what we need out of those few hours a day.
Most of all, though, I want to accomplish something for the Lord. I’m not even sure what, yet, but I intend to have a solid answer by the time my hubby asks us the question in church this weekend. =) Part of it is reaching people through my books, but that might sound self-serving to some, so . . . I don’t know. But more than anything, I want to be a beacon for Him. Which brings to mind a great quote that I think is a fabulous way to end one year and start another, with the goal of living for Him.
“There are two ways to spread light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.” ~Edith Whart
Maybe I’m not a beacon myself–but I serve the brightest light out there, and reflecting Him is an honor as well as a goal.
Happy New Year, everyone! — Oh! And don’t forget to drop by every Friday (and some Tuesdays) from now on for author interviews! A lot of them will include giveaways to people who comment, so you won’t want to miss it! We start tomorrow with Linore Rose Burkard, who writes “Inspirational Romance for the Jane Austen soul.” Great stuff!!
by Roseanna White | Dec 30, 2009 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
Did you know that New Year’s is one of the oldest holidays in the world, celebrated by pretty much every culture (though at different times)? And that whole resolution thing? That’s about as old as the holiday. Back in the day, common resolutions in Ancient Babylon were to give back tools that had been borrowed from neighbors, and the Ancient Romans resolved to ask forgiveness for wrongs they had done. That one kinda puts “quit smoking” and “lose weight” (America’s most popular resolutions) to shame, doesn’t it?
January 1 was established as the first day of the new year in 153 B.C. by the Roman emperor. The month got its name from the mythical god Janus, who had two faces and so could look both forward and back, into the past and future. Makes it pretty cool for the first month of the year, eh? Julius Caesar finalized the calendar as we know it in 46 B.C.
For many years, Christian tradition began the year in March, but Pope Gregory XIII reinstated the Julian calendar in the sixteenth century, and we’ve been observing January 1st as our New Year’s Day ever since.
Tomorrow I’ll be doing some reflecting on the past year and looking to the future (though only with one face, ha ha), and on Friday I’m starting my fabulous author interviews with Linore Rose Burkard, many of which will have a giveaway. Be sure and check in for those!
by Roseanna White | Dec 29, 2009 | Uncategorized
Well, I finally found the two hours I needed to finish reading
The Glassblower by Laurie Alice Eakes last week–and boy was I glad I did! This is a sweet and charming historical romance that will make your heart flutter and spark your imagination.
Meg Jordan wants nothing more than to start a school for local children, so that they don’t have to be sent away for their education as she was. The apple of her father’s eye, she has been given a building and promised windows from Jordan Glassworks . . . as soon as they get other orders finished. That is surely why she is breathless with excitement after meeting Colin, the new glassblower from Scotland. It surely isn’t a personal interest–her father is very strict about not socializing with the employees.
Colin has never seen a bonnier lass than Miss Meg Jordan, but he is warned from the moment he steps foot in the glassworks that he ought not get his hopes up. Which is fine, because he did not venture to America for romance. He came to find a better life to extend to his mother and siblings–the least he can do after abandoning the family, which he is certain led to the boating accident that ended his father’s life. Had he been there . . . but the Lord has forgiven him, and now he has a fresh start. A fresh chance. He will prove himself quickly to be a master glassblower while working on the goblets Mr. Jordan requests for his daughter’s engagement . . . if only he could prove to his heart that said engagement made Meg off-limits. But she seems unwilling, at the least, to become betrothed to her neighbor. And why would the doting Mr. Jordan force the issue? Something is not right.
The Glassblower is a truly excellent book on so many levels. From Heartsong Presents, it’s a short read and moves quickly, but Laurie Alice is an expert at making those few pages feel complete and full, carrying you through a complex and tender story with elegance and grace. The love story is truly blissful-sigh-inducing, and there is just enough tension to make the stakes high and unyielding. I really appreciated the balance of those devices, though. So often tension feels false or over-inflated to me, based on nonsense, but that is far from the case in this novel. The author found the perfect way to offset each romantic stride forward with outside complications, and to answer each moment of antagonism with a new development in the relationship between hero and heroine.
It’s no wonder The Glassblower is an editor’s pick this year for Heartsong Presents! This is a must-read that you’ll breeze through and walk away from feeling better than you did when you sat down with it. You’ll fall in love with the characters and watch them come to a deeper understanding of their faiths through the pages. Don’t miss this one!
Right now it’s only available from the publisher and through the subscription program, but keep your eyes peeled! It’ll be on Amazon etc. in the next few months.
(I received this book as a complementary reviewer copy.)
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.