Interview with Dawn Crandall - Writing Gilded Age Romance

Dawn Crandall didn't begin writing until her husband found out about her long-buried dream of writing a book. Without a doubt about someday becoming traditionally published, he encouraged her to quit her job in 2010 in order to focus on writing The Hesitant Heiress. Dawn is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary.

The Everstone Chronicles is Dawn's first series with Whitaker House. All three books composing the series were semifinalists in ACFW's prestigious Genesis Writing Contest, the third book going on to become a finalist in 2013.

Thank you for joining me on my blog today, Dawn. Please tell us about your latest book:

One accidental kiss. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt's world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn't have the time or the desire to fall for her friend Lawry Hampton. However, with Vance out of the country and Lawry constantly at her side, Meredyth can’t help but wonder if what’s holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from their unfortunate past.

When Vance comes home to stake his claim on Meredyth, will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she’s convinced she deserves? Or will she find the strength to accept that God’s plan for her life could include redemption... and quite possibly the love of her best-friend?

What led you to write this story?

When I was in the middle of writing my first book in 2010 I kind of got to the point that I didn’t know how to get to the end. Nanowrimo (national novel writing month, every November) came up, and I decided I needed to get into someone else's head for a change. So I took Meredyth's character from The Hesitant Heiress and started figuring out what exactly was going on between her and Lawry (and Vance)—as evidenced in how they were behaving towards one another in THH. I also wanted to prove to myself that I could write another character from first person POV and have her not sound like Amaryllis Brigham in book one. By the following November I had an agent and my first book finished—so that’s when I dug out my 50,000 words from my 2010 Nanowrimo jaunt and started forming it into the novel The Bound Heart is now.

How do you schedule or find time for your writing? What does your average day look like?

Now that I have a baby, I write whenever I have the chance—which doesn’t seem that often compared to how I used to be able to write all day long! My average day is very baby-focused.

As a Christian author, what do you feel is the best way to weave God’s truth into your story?

With writing the character arc of my heroine, I also include a very strong spiritual journey arc as well. The main reasons anyone (my characters included) do anything is influenced by their personality, their past experiences and how they view God and His love for them. I love figuring this out for my characters. 

What is your favorite book of the Bible? Would you care to share why?

Romans is my favorite book—although it is incredibly deep and theological, I took a class on the entire book in college from a most amazing Bible scholar, and ever since then, it has been my favorite.

How has the Lord led you to become a writer? (What is your writing testimony?)

Ever since I was in 4th grade, the idea of writing a book has appealed to me. I remember my teacher had us choose some contact paper for the "cover" and then bound papers together for us—I thought that was so cool!! And I couldn't wait to fill it with a story!! Don't ask me what I ever wrote in that little book, but I do know that from then on my favorite time in school was when we were supposed to write something. :) I never thought of "being a writer" until I was in high school and (finally!) came across the kinds of books that thrilled me to read—Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott... and then later in college, books by Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters.

I'd made up some stories for my friends at the time and wrote out synopsis-like drafts, but nothing beyond that. At that time it was still just a dream of mine that I didn't know when I'd ever get around to actually being serious about. It wasn't until I married my husband in my late twenties and he found out the hidden secret of my heart... and believed in me 110% more than I'd ever believed in myself. He eventually had me quit working to focus on writing, and in 2010 I began writing The Hesitant Heiress (Book 1 of The Everstone Chronicles). It was pretty clear to me that I was on the right track when I had two offers of agent representation after attending my first ACFW conference in 2011 and then continued to either semi-final or final in the Genesis Contest with all three of my manuscripts in 2012 and 2013.  

Thank you for sharing about your writing journey with us, Dawn! 
Also find Dawn at: Facebook, her book review page, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Leave a comment for a chance to win an ebook copy of Dawn Crandall's latest novel, Book Two in The Everstone Chronicles, The Bound Heart.

Book Review: For Such a Time

Some wounds cannot be seen outwardly. Rescued from certain death by SS Kommandant Aric VonSchmidt, Hadassah Benjamin, who hides her Jewish identity with the name of Stella Muller, is apprehensive about becoming his secretary. Aric, weary of war, must manage the transit camp of Thereseinstadt in Czechoslovakia since he is no longer fit for combat.

Hadassah finds a strange mix of compassion and duty in the Kommandant. She appeals to his kindness on behalf of her people in the camp. Yet since she was forced into her position, her influence has limitations. She must stand by and watch many of them become destined for Auschwitz.

While there are some inmates who believe that Hadassah is there “for such a time” and will somehow be their rescuer, all hope seems lost and she must choose whether to turn to the God who made her and placed her there for help, sacrificing her own safety.

For Such a Time is an unlikely, tender love story, but more than that, it is an unique retelling of the story of Esther. Kate Breslin does an amazing job setting the story in the 20^th century. Much like Haman, Adolf Hitler and his followers singled out the Jews for ultimate destruction, forgetting the God of Israel is a force to be reckoned with. This World War II setting in a detainment camp is a fitting, parallel backdrop.

Breslin’s characters live on the pages, touching heart and soul. We can watch Hadassah having to make choices we’re thankful we're not faced with and feel for her in her circumstances. Though an SS Kommandant, Aric has deep hurts and is disillusioned about the glory of war, yet he is trapped. Both of them must face the truth, the lies and the consequences of choices made.

More than a wonderful debut novel, For Such a Time, is a beautiful tale of love and heartache during a desperate time in our world. You won’t want to put this one down.

My kitty, Lilybits, who often helps with the book reviews, is under the weather this week. She’ll tell you more about that next week. She did want me to share that she is glad there were no kitties in this book, since it was set in such a dreadful, dangerous place, but said it's an important story to tell. She gives For Such a Time four paws up!

Wednesday Whimsy - News for Mom's Book!

I’m keeping this post short today, because I am busy napping a lot. I’m not feeling well. Sniff. Cough. I have an upper regulatory inflection—no, that’s not it. I have an under reparatory infection. That’s not it either! Oh bother! I think I’ll just call it a “kitty cold.” And I’m still getting over it. My regular vet was out of town, so I got to go to the Country Cat Hospital. Really, I did! Mom’s been holding out on me. They were so nice to me there and fussed over me . . . the way I should be fussed over. Ahem. Anyway, I do have an announcement to make today for Mom:

Brave New Century is being featured at eReader News Today . . . this week! The four inspirational urban historical romance novellas are bargain priced at  $0.99 for
Kindle!

Read more about the book below:

Brave New Century

Inspirational historical romance from Prism Book Group

Stories of four young women who are braving challenges at the dawn of the 20^th century in the big city. Will they overcome their hardships and find love?

Three Rings for Alice by Lisa Lickel

Love and respect in 1899 Milwaukee is as close as a phone call.

Forgiven by Paula Mowery

When Henry and Jessie meet it seems to be classic love at first sight until a shocking revelation tears them apart.

The Pocket Watch by Kathleen Rouser

Searching for the past an orphan and a young doctor find love for  the future.

                          Flames of Hope by Teena Stewart

Love ignites in the midst of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.

Tweet this: BRAVE NEW CENTURY is featured at eReader News Today!

Tweet this: BRAVE NEW CENTURY bargain-priced for $0.99 at Amazon.com!

ANNOUNCING MOM'S BOOK LAUNCH TODAY!

Announcing . . .

Well, after all of these years endured as Mom's muse--the frustration, the tears, the waiting, the hard work—and I suppose Mom suffered for our art a little, too, I am pleased to announce the release of her (our) debut novella in the anthology, Brave New Century!

Brave New Century

Inspirational historical romance from Prism Book Group

Stories of four young women who are braving challenges at the dawn of the 20^th century in the big city. Will they overcome their hardships and find love?

Three Rings for Alice by Lisa Lickel

Love and respect in 1899 Milwaukee is as close as a phone call.

Forgiven by Paula Mowery

When Henry and Jessie meet it seems to be classic love at first sight until a shocking revelation tears them apart.

The Pocket Watch by Kathleen Rouser

Searching for the past an orphan and a young doctor find love for  the future.

                          Flames of Hope by Teena Stewart

Love ignites in the midst of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.

More about Three Rings for Alice:

Our opening story, Three Rings For Alice, shows Alice Smith’s struggles to be a modern woman at the turn of the twentieth century in America. Orphaned, she must make her own way in an age when women are just coming into the workforce. Despite a proposal of marriage from a long time friend, she determines to marry for nothing less than love, even if her love is a voice over the telephone.

About the author: Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. A muti-published, best-selling and award-winning novelist, she also writes short stories and radio-theater, is an avid book reviewer, blogger, a freelance editor, and magazine editor. Visit LisaLickel.com.

More about Forgiven:

Henry Smith has little interest in the plans his parents have for him when it comes to his career and who he will marry. His world is turned upside-down when a shoot-out ends in fatalities.

Jessie Lee Capelle and her sister strike out from the orphanage their father mysteriously abandoned them at to make a life for themselves. Shamed by her background, Jessie struggles with Henry's attention. 

Just as Henry and Jessie decide on a life together a shocking revelation could force them apart unless true forgiveness can be found. 

About the author: Paula Mowery is a published author, speaker, and acquisitions editor for Prism Book Group. Her articles have appeared in Woman's World, The Christian Online Magazine, and the multi-author devotional blog, Full Flavored Living. She reviews Christian fiction for several authors. She is a member of ACFW and on their author interview team. Paula is a pastor's wife who lives with her husband and daughter in East Tennessee.  Find her at www.paulamowery.blogspot.com or connect with her through her author page on Facebook. 

More about The Pocket Watch:

Isabel Jones, an orphan, receives a ruby ring from the mother she never knew and wants more than ever to find her roots. When a young physician, Daniel Harper, rescues her from an oncoming automobile and she finds his pocket watch in a puddle, her circumstances take a turn. She begins to consider what life outside the orphanage could be like. Daniel’s heart has been broken before and the attractive young lady who finds his treasured timepiece wouldn’t be deemed suitable by his social climbing parents.

When Isabel and Daniel work side by side, caring for the orphanage children during an influenza epidemic, she becomes gravely ill. Compelled to redeem the time by helping her find the past, Daniel finds a buried truth that creates an unbridgeable chasm between them. Where will they find hope in a hopeless situation?

About the Author: Kathleen Rouser has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. Kathleen’s debut novella, The Pocket Watch, as part of the anthology, Brave New Century, will be published by Prism Book Group and released on November 13, 2013.

She studied communications and English during her first college years. Kathleen has been published in Homeschool Digest and An Encouraging Word magazines and the Oakland Press. She currently enjoys writing devotional articles for a local women’s ministry newsletter and interviewing authors for the Novel PASTimes historical fiction blog. Her desire is to bring to life endearing characters, who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. Along with her sassy tail-less cat, she lives in southeast Michigan with her hero and husband of nearly 32 years, Jack, who not only listens to her stories, but also cooks for her. You can also find her at: www.novelpastimes.com and https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser

More about Flames of Hope:

Young San Francisco police officer Gideon Light is smitten the moment he sees Lily McMinn rolling down the awnings on her father’s mercantile. Lovely, petite, and spunky, Lily had to grow up quickly after her mother passed away. She not only oversees the welfare of two younger siblings, she also helps run her father’s business.

Gideon and Lily are immediately attracted to each other and soon become good friends. It doesn’t take long before Lily realizes her feelings for Gideon have changed to something far deeper. He secretly harbors dreams of advancing in the force to earn a substantial enough income to make Lily his wife.

Before either has a chance to pursue each other, however, an earthquake of unthinkable magnitude shatters their world. With a raging fire fast in its wake, tragedy and triumph await as Gideon, Lily, and her family flee for their lives with little more than the clothes on their backs.

Set during the time of the great 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire, this tale of great loss, incredible human courage, and sweet romance, will inspire and warm your heart.

About the author: Teena Stewart is a published author, an accomplished artist, and a ministry leader. In addition to Brave New Century, her recent published books include Mothers and Daughters: Mending a Strained Relationship and The Treasure Seeker: Finding Love and Value in the Arms of Your Loving Heavenly Father. Brave New Century represents Teena’s first fiction inclusion in a book. She and her husband Jeff are involved in “out-of-the-box” organic church ministry in Hickory, NC. For more info on Teena visit www.teenastewart.com