by Roseanna White | Dec 3, 2009 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
Well, there I was. Fully aware that the calender had flipped to my release date. Fully aware that I would never have a release date for this book again (I mean, I already got two–that’s more than most people get, LOL). Fully aware that if I didn’t somehow pour some energy into my veins, I would be curling up on the floor into a puddle of exhausted goo before lunchtime.
When best friend Stephanie Morrill kept telling storied about her adorable kiddo kept her humble and anchored during the whole book-release process with cranky days and climbing all over the box of books, I laughed. When it was me whose big day was humbled by children up SEVEN TIMES the night before, leaving me with a whopping four hours of sleep, it wasn’t nearly so funny. Still, I tried really hard to get excited. I sent out emails. I posted blogs and Facebook statuses about it. I commented on the lovely Author Spotlight Patty Wyson had put up about me.
And then I dashed out the door to drop Rowyn off at my mom’s and take Xoe to Story Time at the Library. Fought with them over lunch, battled them back into the car, but Rowyn to bed. Rowyn, who hadn’t gotten nearly enough sleep the night before, WOULD NOT go to bed. I rocked him for half an hour and finally got him to sleep. Of course, rocking for half an hour also lulled me into semi-consciousness, so I had to go nap too.
By the end of the day, feeling more human, I was so ready for the excitement to bear some fruit. I was thrilled by the comments I had gotten on the various postings about the book. I was feeling pretty good, pretty happy, ready to take my place in the annals of history as a fabulous writer! (Okay, exaggeration. LoL)
And then my hubby said, “Log in to the store and see if we have any orders.”
Um, ugh. Nothing bursts my bubble like reality. Because of course there were no orders yet. Not surprising with a small press book on the first day, but still. Being me, I had hoped.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m still excited, I’m having a blast with these first days of promo, of holding those finished books in my hand and saying, “Wow. These are gorgeous.” But I’ve also resigned myself to the fact that, unlike in a book, each story in reality doesn’t have a definite climax. Or at least, not when you expect it. And that’s okay–because my story’s written by a fabulous Author who knows way better than I do where this plotline should go!
(Reminder–you can still enter to win a copy of the book at Patty’s blog through the 6th!)
by Roseanna White | Dec 2, 2009 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
First off, a reminder to one and all that you can enter for a chance to win a signed copy of
A Stray Drop of Blood by commenting on
Patty Wysong’s blog between now and December 6. Today she has an interview up, which was tons of fun. Hop over and read it!
I thought for today’s Remember When I’d dive into the political of our Biblical days. When rereading Stray Drop, I noted a few places where I mentioned Israel’s lack of a king at that time. Since I was in “question everything” mode, I figured I’d better look that up–there was, after all, that Herod dude.
I found that technically speaking, I was right. Though Herod the Great (who ruled when Christ was born) had been given the title of King over all of Israel by Caesar, things changed with his death. And it was his own fault, too! He couldn’t decide which of his sons he wanted to take his place, so he divided the kingdom into three parts, called the eldest king, and gave the others lesser titles. This all had to be approved by Caesar, though, and he said, “Er, no. You can divide the kingdom, but no on gets to be king.” So they all got “arch” designations–tetrarch was Herod Antipas’s title. By the time Jesus is tried and crucified, Israel was down to two of Herod the Great’s sons, the other having been declared mentally unstable.
So the Herod we hear about during Jesus’ trial was the ruler of Galilee, the province Jesus was from, though not the one he had been in when he committed the “crimes” he was tried for. For that, he was in the realm of Pilate, who had been appointed as prefect of Judea when the third son went cuckoo-bananas. In Stray Drop I refer to Pilate as the governor, as the Gospels do, mainly to avoid confusion–one of my main characters is a military prefect over the Tenth Legion, and I didn’t want to use “prefect” for two very different characters and positions.
I enjoyed pointing out the irony of the sign Pilate hangs above Jesus: This is Jesus, King of the Jews. It had been a long time since Israel had had a king from their own ranks, one appointed by the prophet of God instead of Rome. Romans would have seen the claim as a joke, something mocking. Israelites would have seen it as a slap in the face.
We have the advantage of recognizing the truth in the mockery. That was Jesus–King of Us All.
by Roseanna White | Dec 1, 2009 | Uncategorized
Well, it’s December 1, which means my book is officially released!! I think this calls for something special, so this is the one Story Time that will be dedicated to my book.
First off, today and tomorrow I’m being featured on a blog called Patterings by Patty Wysong, and we’ll be giving away a copy of the book. So if you want a chance to win, leave a comment over there! She even put up an excerpt of the book, which I think is awesome.
Anyway. For today, I’m not going to tell you what I think about Stray Drop anymore–I’m going to show you what others are saying.
~*~
Haunting and powerful are two words that come to mind at the close of reading Roseanna M. White’s debut novel,
A Stray Drop of Blood. Not since Francine Rivers’
Mark of the Lion trilogy has a book and its characters captured me so completely. From its rich, historical prose that depicts the era of Christ with startling reality, to a compelling love story that will both jolt and seize your heart, this is one of those rare novels that haunts you centuries beyond the last page.
Ms. White states she began writing
A Stray Drop of Blood on Good Friday, a significance not lost in the telling of this tale that revolves around the crucifixion of Christ and the life-changing impact of “a stray drop of blood” on a Hebrew girl. At a young age, Abigail is sold into slavery to a kind Roman centurion, in whose household she grows in favor and beauty. She soon catches the eye of her master’s centurion son, handsome but worldly Jason Visibullis, who seeks to possess her, body and soul. In his quest to own Abigail’s love completely, Jason weds her, redeeming her from the bonds of slavery. But it is the blood of Christ that provides true redemption, not only for Abigail, but for her master’s household and husband as well. And amid the seething unrest of Roman tyranny and Hebrew uprising, a spell-binding saga unfolds, unleashing startling twists of both fate and heart that will leave you utterly breathless.
~ Julie Lessman
author of the Daughters of Boston Series
~*~
A Stray Drop of Blood is a fast-paced story that keeps you guessing until the very end. The unexpected plot twists and action make for an entertaining read—not your average ‘I-know-how-this-is-going-to-end’ type of tale.
One thing that author Roseanna White really nails is influencing a readers’ emotions via characterization. When main character Jason Visibullis was introduced, I took an instant dislike to the man, which rapidly turned to disgust. However, later on, White managed to completely change my opinion of him, and he became one of my favorites.
I think this is an important book because of how well it describes the plight of women. Granted, this happens to be told from a slave’s point of view, but even contemporary women will relate to the way heroine Abigail is treated. Ultimately this is a story of hope and contentment.
If you’re a lover of Biblical era novels, then this is the book for you…or a great Christmas gift for someone you know that has a Bible times penchant.
~ Michelle Greip
author of Gallimore
~*~
“[White] draws the reader in with irresistible characters and keeps him reading with complex action and a heart-clutching story. Not to be missed by anyone who loves Biblical fiction!”
~Marta Perrry
author of Leah’s Choice and Rachel’s Garden
~*~
“In A Stray Drop of Blood, Roseanna M. White delivers a spellbinding tale that will whisk readers back in time, to the last days of Jesus. Like an artfully-woven tapestry, the story is rich in colorful details of the city and its people… and the fearsome political climate that changed Jerusalem, forevermore. When you’ve finished this book, you’ll want more from this talented author!”
~Loree Lough
award-winning author of 74 novels that are “touching hearts and changing lives”
~*~
“A Stray Drop of Blood is a complex and captivating story full of characters I both adored and despised, sometimes at the same time. I loved the rich historical setting and how it wove effortlessly through the plot. The story is unpredictable, addictive, and full of hope even in the saddest of scenes. An excellent debut from Ms. White.”
~Stephanie Morrill
author of The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt Series
~*~
“ I love biblical fiction. I love reading about how the ordinary people really lived during that time and related to each other without haloes drawn around their heads and a chorus of angels singing in the background. And Roseanna White does a splendid job in A Stray Drop of Blood of bringing the days and months surrounding the crucifixion to brutal reality through the eyes of a young Hebrew girl. If you enjoy biblical fiction like I do, pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.”
~Golden Keyes Parsons
author of Darkness to Light Series
~*~
“Prepare to be transported to Rome in the time of Jesus by this powerful debut novel. With a cast of compelling characters and a roller-coaster plot, this is a memorable tale that will stay with you long after the last chapter is read. Abigail’s journey of faith and love is nothing short of miraculous. Biblical fiction fans will find it extremely rich and satisfying.”
~Terri Kraus
author of The Project Restoration Series:
The Renovation, The Renewal, The Transformation
by Roseanna White | Nov 30, 2009 | Uncategorized
So with the re-release of
Stray Drop being only TWO DAYS AWAY (!!!!!!!!), I’m trying to split my concentration between all the stuff necessary for promotion and moving on to new projects. There’s just one problem. My fickle little brain can’t settle on what it wants to work on.
I’ve got my wonderful 20s Egypt story, but upon doing some research into the really interesting crux of the story, I realized that there are some kinks that need cleverness applied. I’ve thus far had no brilliant ideas.
So last week I moved to a contemporary idea I’ve had for years, which I wanted to aim at Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired line. The original premise was a bit too, er, edgy for LI, so I was pleased when I came up with a way to at once up the emotions and take out some of the edge. I think this could be a great solution for these characters I love. I just need to have a good hook for the opening, and I’m not sure I’ve hit upon it yet.
And before I could be sure, I had this other bolt of inspiration. See, one of my critique partners challenged me to write a modern day pirate story. Naturally, I immediately started considering it, but no brilliance struck at once. Until Thursday, while watching a Bond movie of all things. Two seconds of a random scene suddenly had the brainstorming juices flowing. Not even a big part–just a clip of a woman letting herself through a sliding glass door on a yacht in a skimpy bathing suit and walking past a poker table. The thing was, we never saw her face–like her only purpose was to make the other men look her way briefly. For whatever reason, that one snippet brought to life the heroine for this pirate story.
I quickly wrote an opening for the story, which was all I could do on my own, because I have no clue about some stuff pretty crucial to the idea. Namely, boats. Yeesh! So I put my hubby to work figuring out what my pirates would be using, what my hero would be using against them, etc. I chewed on it all weekend, tossed it around with some visiting friends. And last night I sat down and wrote four pages of notes outlining the entire plot.
This is one of those times when I pray for the right direction (which I have been) and trust that the Lord will make clear which story I should pursue. I have to decide what to focus on, and the only guaranteed way to do that is to focus on God. He’ll handle the rest. =)
by Roseanna White | Nov 27, 2009 | Uncategorized
From A Stray Drop of Blood
ESTER
Ester Visibullis has been an outcast ever since she married her Roman husband. Her father was a high priest of the synagogue, and he cast her off when Cleopas entered her life. Though she swiftly fell in love with her husband, his friends never welcomed her, not until a year after Abigail joins their home, when the general’s new wife arrives from Rome and becomes her friend.
Of a nervous disposition, Ester paces and fidgets whenever something is bothering her and will often have a cup of camomile at hand to try to soothe her frayed nerves. She is a woman of deep heart, one who only wants the best for those she loves, though she rarely presumes to know what that “best” might be.
In spite of all she suffered at the hands of her father, Ester is still held by the lessons he taught her, his way of interpreting the Law and the Prophets. Though her husband is hopeful for a messiah, she is uncertain the Scriptures can be interpreted to promise one.
Having spent so many years with only her home as her world, Ester is always uncertain when meeting new people and unsure how to impress.
Abigail quickly learned how to reassure her mistress.
“What they will see is a woman of great beauty. And they will be pleased to see you trying to show how pleasing you are to be seen with.”
Though Ester is the mother of a grown son, she’d still be quite young by our definition, and still very beautiful. Connie Nielsen would make an excellent Ester.
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.