by Roseanna White | Jun 21, 2011 | Uncategorized
Today we have the pleasure of meeting another heroine, this one Ada Wentworth from Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love!
Dorothy is also offering a giveaway, so to be entered, just leave a comment below with an email address. If you’re having the problem where it keeps redirecting you to a sign in page, try logging in to your account first, then coming here to comment. (This is a Google issue, so there’s unfortunately nothing I can do.) If that also fails, just shoot me an email with your comment to roseanna [at] roseannawhite [dot] com.
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About Beyond All Measure
Ada has loved deeply and lost dearly. But protecting her heart could mean missing the love of a lifetime.
Having lost her family, her fiancé, and her fortune, Ada journeys from Boston to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee to take a position as a lady’s companion. Though initially charmed by the pretty little Southern town tucked into the foothills of the great Smokies, Ads plans to stay only until she can earn enough to establish a millinery shop.
Her employer, Wyatt Caldwell, the local lumber mill owner is easily the kindest, most attractive man Ada has met in Hickory Ridge. He believes Providence has brought her to town and into his life. But how, after so many betrayals, can she ever trust again? Besides, Wyatt has a dream of his own. A dream that will one day take him far from Hickory Ridge.
As the South struggles to heal in the aftermath of the Civil War, one woman must let go of her painful past in order to embrace God’s plan for her. Can she trust Him, and Wyatt with her future and her heart?
(I so love that cover!) And now, without further ado . . .
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Hello, Ada Wentworth and thank you so much for talking with me today! To begin, could you just tell us a little bit about yourself?
It’s my pleasure, Roseanna. I was born in Boston, but spent a lot of time with my mother’s family in New Orleans when I was growing up. After my father died, I came to Hickory Ridge for a position as a lady’s companion and let’s just say, the southern Appalachians are nothing at all like Boston. It has its own charms though.
It does, at that. I’m an Appalachian girl myself, though my home’s nearer to Cumberland, Maryland. So tell me–what’s one of your most interesting traits?
My mother taught me the art of hat making. I adore hats! I love wearing them and making them for others. I’ve made quite a few for the ladies of Hickory Ridge and they turned out very well if I do say so myself.
Oh, what fun! I’m a hat lover myself. What’s your favorite indulgence?
Last year before I arrived in Hickory Ridge, I would have said going to the Boston Library or going skating with my friends, but since coming here to Hickory Ridge I can’t think of anything I love more than a quiet walk in Miss Lillian’s garden with Wyatt Caldwell, or chatting with my friends in the quilting circle, or teaching my young friend Sophie to make hats. The quietest pursuits often bring the greatest rewards.
How very true. Now . . . what do you fear more than anything else?
Oh my. Not to be rude, my dear, but that’s a bit personal on such short acquaintance, don’t you think?
Begging your pardon, Miss Wentworth–I suppose it is. Forgive me, and allow me to redirect my question. May I ask who your favorite person is in the world (whether they’re still with you or not), and why?
I adored my mother and I miss her still. She was everything I hope to be—beautiful, kind, and smart as a whip. Mother was also the one of the most wise and spiritual women I know. She certainly left me some big shoes to fill. Since her passing, and my move to Hickory Ridge, I’d have to say Wyatt Caldwell has become one of my favorite persons, too. For the same reasons—his kindness, his intelligence, and just between us girls, he has the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen. And the way he calls me darlin’ makes me….dare I say it? Weak in the knees.
Oh my, I can’t blame you. There’s nothing like a fine set of eyes! Now, pardon me if this delves into the too-personal again, but I always ask this of my interviewees. If you could change one part of your past, undo one decision, what would it be?
I never would agree to marry Edward. Falling in love with him was the biggest mistake of my life.
I appreciate you sharing. Now allow me to ask a more lighthearted question. If you could travel anywhere, to any time, where would you go and why?
I’d go back to my childhood in New Orleans, to those warm spring evenings with my cousins and my aunts, sipping lemonade in the cool shade of the magnolia trees and watching the moonlight playing on the river.
That sounds positively delightful! What’s the most surprising thing someone has ever said about you?
Miss Lillian, who was none too happy about my coming here to care for her, told me she thought I’d make a Southern girl after all. We had our differences, especially at first, but we became friends despite the difference in our ages. She’s another one I miss. I imagine her and my mother in Heaven, watching over me. It brings me comfort to think of it.
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Thanks so much for chatting with us, Ada and Dorothy! I love getting to know the characters like this. =) Now here’s a bit about Ada’s creator.
About Dorothy
Dorothy Love is the author of the Hickory Ridge series, historical novels set in the beautiful Smoky Mountains region of her native Tennessee. Her well-researched, heartwarming stories of small town Southern life, faith, friends, and family reflect the emotions, concerns, and values of women everywhere.
When she isn’t busy writing or researching her next book, Doro loves hiking and hanging out with her husband Ron and their two golden retrievers, Major and Jake. Lifelong avid travelers, the Loves have explored the cities and the back country of New Zealand, photographed the Cuna Indians of the San Blas Islands, traversed the Panama Canal, explored Bermuda on motor scooters, and combed the best beaches in Hawaii and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
For more than twenty years they have collected antique maps depicting their many ports of call, chiefly those maps by 19th century mapmaker and engraver John Rapkin. Published by John Tallis of London, Rapkin’s maps in the 1851 edition of Tallis’ Illustrated Atlas are among the most visually appealing of the Victorian age. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country.
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Check out Dorothy’s website at http://dorothylovebooks.com!
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 6/28/11. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
by Roseanna White | Jun 17, 2011 | Uncategorized
Today, on my 10th anniversary no less (grins), I’m welcoming K. Dawn Byrd to my blog to talk about her latest novel, a young adult e-book called Mistaken Identity.
The author has graciously offered a gift card for a free download of this novel, so to be entered to win, just leave a comment below with your email address! (If you have problems getting the comment to take, email it to me at roseanna [at] roseannawhite [dot] com.)
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About Mistaken Identity
Eden Morgan longs for a boyfriend of her own, an impossible goal when her best friend, Lexi Branson, gets all the attention and all the guys. When they fall in love with the same guy, Eden believes she doesn’t have a chance. She can only hope that sometimes the good girl gets the guy.
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About K. Dawn
K. Dawn Byrd is an author of inspirational romance and romantic suspense. Mistaken Identity, her first young adult romance released on June 15 from Desert Breeze Publishing. Queen of Hearts, a WWII romantic suspense released in April 2010 and was the bestselling book for her publisher during its debut month. Killing Time, a contemporary romantic suspense, released August 1, also with Desert Breeze Publishing.
K. Dawn Byrd is an avid blogger and gives away several books per week on her blog at www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com, most of which are signed by the authors. She’s also the moderator of the popular facebook Christian Fiction Gathering group.
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What’s your latest book?
Mistaken Identity just released from Desert Breeze Publishing on June 15, 2011. Here’s a bit more about it:
Eden Morgan makes a list of six goals to accomplish in order to have the best summer ever. Getting a boyfriend, which is perhaps the most important goal, becomes complicated when she and her best friend, Lexi, fall for the same guy. Since Lexi is popular, gorgeous, and always gets her guy, Eden thinks she doesn’t have a chance.
Channing Johnson is everything Eden’s ever dreamed of and she can’t believe he just moved in next door. When he starts showing interest in her, she’s overjoyed…until she sees him out on a date with Lexi. He says Lexi talked him into it to repay her for tutoring him. Lexi says they’re in love.
Eden doesn’t know who to believe and is forced to choose between her best friend and the guy of her dreams. Nothing is as it seems and no matter who she chooses, someone will get hurt.
Boy, that takes me back! LOL. What’s your favorite genre to write? To read?
My favorite genre to read is romantic suspense. My favorite genre to write is whatever I’m the mood to write when I set down at the keyboard.
What’s one of the oddest or most interesting things someone has ever said about you?
Someone once told me that my voice was very therapeutic and soothing.
I should have asked for a recording of something so we could hear for ourselves. 😉 What would your dream office look like—and what does your REAL writing environment look like?
I actually spent time in my dream office last week. It’s the balcony of a hotel overlooking the ocean. I wrote every day as the tide rolled in.
Oo, that sounds perfect. I’ll be on the balcony next door, of course . . . . Is there any one thing or reference you keep handy when writing? Anything you kept around for this particular book?
It’s not really a reference, but it is a “thing.” I can not write without my netbook.
Are there any people (family, writing group, editors) who you rely on when writing?
My husband is a great help to me. We walk our dogs every night and we plot what I’m going to write next. He’s not a writer, but he enjoys brainstorming with me.
Definitely invaluable–mine does the same.
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Thanks so much for visiting! Readers, I’ve heard only great things about K. Dawn’s books, so definitely check her out, and all her fabulous giveaways!
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 6/24/11. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
by Roseanna White | Jun 16, 2011 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
Yesterday started like any other. Namely, with the kids calling, “Mommy! Mooooommmmmyyyyyy! I ready to get uuuuuupppppp!” Followed by getting them each what felt like 10 breakfasts, blogging, torturing myself with exercise . . . you know, the norm.
When I finally got down to writing business, it was to an email from a friend of mine with some awesome news of a contract. (Can’t tell you who because it’s still on the down-low.) She was one of the loudest squealers when I announced my deal with Summerside for Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, so I naturally squealed pretty loudly for her, too. In the course of our frantic back-and-forth emails, she asked me how some of my other proposals were faring.
Which, naturally, reminded me of one I hadn’t sent out that I really felt I should before the weekend. So, while chewing on what needed to change in a scene of Annapolis, I went into this other proposal and made a few changes. Debated a few recommended changes that I just couldn’t come up with a good way to include, and finally tossed my hands in the air and said, “Phooey! I’m sending it.”
And I did. Thinking something along the lines of, “I’ll work more on it later before sending it elsewhere. This editor probably won’t have time to read it for a while anyway, I know she’s busy . . .”
Meanwhile (amid getting the kids 10 lunches each–I swear that’s how it feels sometimes, LOL) I worked on my edits. Made some decent progress, and I feel good about where I am on those right now. So when, an hour later, I got an email asking me to call this editor, I was a little surprised. Okay, a lot surprised. And when I was on the phone with her and heard how much she loved this proposal I’d just sent, I was more than surprised. I was floored. Delighted. Thrilled. Ecstatic.
Now, this isn’t a contract or anything, but it was an amazing way to get my energy up, lemme just tell you! What writer doesn’t like to hear that someone loves her work? And if that someone’s an editor . . .?? Well. Yeah. Awesome.
More craziness ensued that I won’t get into here and now, but let’s just say that by the end of the day, I looked back and thought, “Wow, really? Can’t say as I expected all that when I woke up this morning!” It was a day of encouragement and promise. A day of Joy and a bittersweet ending/new beginning (the other craziness). A day that really showed me that I’m doing what I need to be doing, and that the Lord is ever guiding me exactly where I need to go.
I’m so overwhelmed by all He’s given me. And so I give it back to Him, and pray He use it for His will, above all.
Hope everyone’s having a great week!
by Roseanna White | Jun 15, 2011 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
I’m such a geek. Yes, I admit it. I’m not just the type that will look up random histories of things as I go throughout my day (I mean, surely I’m not the only one who wants to know who in the world developed cotton candy, right? A dentist, by the way–figure that one out, LOL). I’m the type who looks forward to looking up history when I’m visiting a new place.
Examples? Sure, why not. We’ll start with a familiar place, like the Outer Banks of NC. I love those beaches. I’ve gone every year since I was about 12, so it feels like a second home to our families. Naturally, I’ve picked up a bit of the island’s history along the way. But lately I’ve been craving more. Imagining what awesome books about the Outer Banks of the past might be on a rental house’s coffee table this year. Knowing I could a few internet searches and answer some of my questions, but wanting rather to get the history while there. To feel it, see it, breathe it.
Example the second: hubby and I are planning a trip to Niagara Falls. I’ve never been, know very little about them. But I’m plotting how our romantic anniversary trip could be stretched to include a little history-taking. I mean, surely there’s a story to be told set there! And surely it’ll hit me while I’m there, absorbing the place and its past. Right? I mean, did you know that the caves behind the falls were built into them in the late 1800s? I’d assumed they were natural and man just added the convenience, but nope. Totally made for tourists. Fun, huh?
So yeah. There you have it. I may just have to join a History Lovers Anonymous. I can only imagine how fun those meetings might be! 😉
by Roseanna White | Jun 14, 2011 | Uncategorized
Today I’m happy to welcome Nicole O’Dell to the blog to talk about her super-cool book series–young adult books that have alternate endings the reader gets to choose! How cool is that?
Nicole is offering a copy to one lucky winner, so to enter, leave a comment below with an email address. Or if it won’t let you leave a comment, email it to me at roseanna [at] roseannawhite [dot] com and I’ll post it for you. 😉
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About Swept Away
SCENARIOS 5 & 6—SWEPT AWAY
In High Stakes, seniors and best friends, Amber and Brittany, are neck and neck in a good-natured competition for a car being given away by a local business. In Essence of Lilly, sophomore Lilly Armstrong is always looking for ways to escape the confines of her unhappy home. She “invents” youth group activities just so she can hang out with her boyfriend, Jason—the only one in Lilly’s life who makes her feel special. What happens when Amber and Lilly are faced with making difficult choices? Readers help Amber and Lilly make the difficult decisions by choosing between alternate endings, and then see how their choices create consequences with life-altering results.
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About Nicole
She writes. She talks. She reads. She changes diapers. Nicole O’Dell is a mom of six–including a set of toddler triplets who may or may not be potty trained sometime in 2011. Jury’s still out on that one. She is the author of a bunch of YA books, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the upcoming Diamond Estates Series, 10/11. She’s also the host of Teen Talk Radio at www.choicesradio.com. You can find her books and links to all the fun social stuff at www.nicoleodell.com.
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What’s your latest book?
All six of my Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction books have recently been released in 2-in-1 volumes. Swept Away contains two brand-new Scenarios books: High Stakes, which deals with cheating in school, friendship, loyalty, and honesty, and Essence of Lilly, which covers dating relationships and purity.
I’m so intrigued by these. When I have a few spare hours I am so picking up the copies I have here. 😉 What’s your favorite part of the story?
Each Scenarios for Girls book reaches it’s climax when the main character faces a major, life-changing moral decision which the reader gets to make. There are alternate endings for the reader to choose from, allowing her to take ownership for the consequences of her choices as she sees them unfold through the life of the book’s character.
I love this turning point of each story. It becomes personal at that point, and it allows for change and personal commitment. That’s where it’s at for me. I want to use my stories to affect change in the lives of my readers by allowing them to really experience the issues of each book, and then commit to Godly choices for their future.
So cool. What was the hardest part to write?
Book two in Swept Away, Essence of Lilly, deals with issues of purity. Handling this topic was a real concern for me. I wanted to be real–otherwise, what good would it do? But I didn’t want to offend anyone or open young girls’ minds to something before they were ready. It took a lot of prayer and guidance from friends. In the end, my publisher, Barbour, was so supportive. They realized that the scenes had to be written as they were–not to sensationalize the issue, but to drive home the gravity of it.
Always a hard, but ever so important, balance. Okay, fun question. Other than the Bible, what’s your favorite of all the books you’ve ever read?
Lineage of Grace, Francine Rivers
Deadline, Randy Alcorn
What’s one of the oddest or most interesting things someone has ever said about you?
“She’s so organized.” Bwahahahahaha!
LOL. What would your dream office look like—and what does your REAL writing environment look like?
Dream: A flowery loveseat near a big picture widow overlooking a lake. An antiqued-white desk with a comfy chair. A cup of steaming cappuccino near an old typewriter my computer. Hardwood floors with a vintage area rug. Lots of plants—fake ones . . .for the plant’s sake. Inspiring artwork on the walls, and a fire in the fireplace.
Reality: A beat-up desk in the corner of my bedroom wedged between my bed and my treadmill. The coffee is usually cold and the lake is about thirty minutes away. The artwork is either a pile at Bed, Bath and Beyond, or crayon drawings from my kids which is more inspiring than anything.
Are there any people (family, writing group, editors) who you rely on when writing?
I absolutely rely on my critique partner, Valerie Comer. She’s awesome, and I’d be lost without her. She has taught me sooooo much. I only wish I’d known her before my first two books came out. I honestly had NO idea how much I didn’t know. I’m so thankful for Val’s patience and honesty. I’m also thankful that she takes enough pride in my work to push me past “good enough” when I’m ready to throw in the towel on a scene or blurb. She’d pries better out of me every single time.
A good critter is SO valuable! =) Aside from writing, what takes up most of your time?
Did I mention my two-year-old triplets? Plus three other kids and a home rehabbing project. Oh, and I’m taking online courses toward a teaching degree. Oh, and I teach at the local community college part time. Oh, and… yeah, there’s a lot. =)
I only have two kids, but they keep me hopping. I can scarcely fathom triplets! LOL. So . . . if someone were to give you $5,000 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy? (No saving or gifts to charities allowed!)
Can I say tummy tuck? Now don’t judge! Did I mention those triplets? Walk a mile, folks. Walk a mile. J
Again, literally laughing out loud. Okay, back to serious. What are you writing right now?
I’m working on a few things. One is a novella project for Barbour called Rainbow’s End that I’m writing with Cara Putman, Annalisa Daughety, and Valerie Comer. It’s about geocaching in the Ozarks.
I’m also working on book two in my Diamond Estates series, The Embittered Ruby. Book one, The Wishing Pearl, releases on October 1st. This three-book series is the story of my heart. It’s loosely based on my own experiences as a resident at a Teen Challenge center when I was a teen.
Oh, that sounds good! Any other upcoming releases we should keep our eye out for?
On August 1st, these three Scenarios for Girls 2-in-1s also release as enhanced eBooks. Through Novo Ink, you’ll be able to download the app to any eReader enabling you to access the enhanced versions. We’ve added links, polls, quizzes, video, audio, images, and more, right into the interface of the actual eBook. This makes reading a multi-media experience!
How neat! We’ll keep an eye out for that October release too!
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Thanks so much for visiting, Nicole! Readers, be sure and check out her website at http://www.nicoleodell.com. You can purchase Swept Away 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 6/21/11. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.
by Roseanna White | Jun 10, 2011 | Uncategorized
Today I have a special treat for you. Rather than the same-old interview, Margaret Brownley is sharing some fun tips from her heroine Lucy and interesting facts that led to the book. You don’t want to miss this!
Margaret is also offering a copy of A Vision of Lucy to one lucky winner, so leave your comments below with an email address for a chance to win!
Ready? Here we go!
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Some Timely Advice for Photographers from Margaret’s New Book:
A Vision of Lucy
A Rocky Creek Romance
· Doctors, do not look at the camera like it’s a patient needing help through death’s door. Such a pose will speak ill of you, and it won’t do much for your practice, either.
· When photographing stampeding cattle, charging bulls or blazing shoot-outs, use a fast shutter speed
· A man imagines himself more handsome than his photograph; a woman believes herself more homely
· To photograph well, women should dress in sedate colors and unobtrusive patterns. Even the most morally challenged woman can be made to look chaste given suitable attire and lighting
· While posing for a photograph spinsters should avoid looking desperate or deprived. A serene smile will show that your circumstances are by choice and not for lack of beauty or character.
· The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. For this reason a woman wishing to look appropriately domesticated for her Mail-Order Bride photograph should wear an apron and wield a kitchen utensil (preferably not a rolling pin).
Say Cabbage
In 1850, Julia Shannon of San Francisco took the family portrait to new heights when she shockingly advertised herself as a daguerreotypist and midwife. After reading about her I just had to write about a lady photographer. Of course, the heroine of A Vision of Lucy doesn’t deliver babies but she still finds plenty of ways to get into trouble.
I loved writing about old time photography and have nothing but awe for the brave souls who first took camera in hand. Not only did they contend with unwieldy equipment but also dangerous chemicals and exploding labs.
Women had an advantage over male photographers who were often confounded by female dress. This explains why one photographer advertised in 1861 for an assistant, “Who Understands the Hairdressing Business.” Women also had a few tricks up their leg of mutton sleeves—or rather their skirts. Elizabeth Withington invented a “dark thick dress skirt” to use as a developing tent when she traveled.
Those cheerless faces in early photographs were partly due to vices that held heads still for long periods of time. Photographers used all sorts of devices to hold a client’s interest. One even had a trained monkey. Another photographer had a canary that sang on command. Mechanical birds were a favorite gimmick and “Watch the birdie” became a familiar refrain in studios across the country.
Magazines and newspaper ran ample advice for posing. An 1877 edition of The Chicago Inter-Ocean advised women with large mouths to say the word “Flip,” although one photographer preferred the word “Prunes.” If a small mouth was the problem the word “Cabbage” would make it appear larger.
Not everyone was enamored with cameras. One dog owner put up a sign warning “photographers and other tramps to stay away” after his dog had an unfortunate run-in with a tripod.
Did photography have a bearing on the suffragette movement? Indeed, it did, but it appeared to be more of a detriment than a help. The photographs of militant suffragettes or women dressed in bloomers did more harm than good.
If you think America was tough on suffragettes, think again. The women’s rights movement was considered the biggest threat to the British Empire. According to the National Archives the votes-for-women movement became the first “terrorist” organization subjected to secret surveillance photography in the world.
Photography has come a long way since those early daguerreotype days. One can only imagine what the brave souls of yesteryear would think of today’s “aim and click” cameras. Now days you can’t even drive down the street without having your picture taken. But as Lucy would say, Never leave the house unless you’re ready for your close up.
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About Margaret
My writing career began, and ended, early. I wrote my first book in fifth grade—a mystery without an ending. I was on a roll until I reached eighth grade. Unimpressed with my essay on why I wanted to be a writer my English teacher not only flunked me but suggested I not even think about a career as a writer.
Dream squashed, I did little writing until I became editor of the church newsletter many years later. After making a church picnic read like a Grisham novel, my then pastor took me aside and said, “Maybe God’s calling you to write fiction.” So that’s what I did. I now have 25 books to my credit, published in 15 different languages. I’m currently working on a new series.
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Thanks so much for the fun post, Margaret! Readers, be sure and check out Margaret’s website at
www.margaretbrownley.com
You can find a Vision of Lucy here.
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 6/17/11. 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.