Lilybits: News, Views, and Celebrating our 200th Blog Post!

Celebrate!

This is not just any post, it’s a 200^th blog post! Mom and I are celebrating today. We're even giving away a $10 Amazon gift card Of course, she couldn’t have done it without my help.

Views:

In case you’re wondering about how my campaign is going, I have fired my campaign manager for not being able to get me into the latest political debate. Also, the donations are coming in awfully slowly. An occasional trickle of kibble and treats just isn’t getting the job done. I may have to suspend the campaign for awhile, like Governors, Walker and Perry.

And news:

Lately I’ve been learning about how to take care of dad since he had surgery on his ankle. I’m teaching him to steer his scooter carefully by getting in his way and running away at the last second so as not to get run over. I sleep on his lap sometimes when he is sitting in his chair. This way he stays warm. And sometimes I sit on his scooter and watch him eat. I’m teaching him to share and not feel sorry for himself. He’s not stuck eating kibble and wet food for sensitive stomachs. Yuck! Anyway, with my watchful companionship, I believe he is healing up quite well. 

Reminiscing:

Partially to celebrate our 200^th post, and partially to honor the memory of my Minnesota cousin, Harley, who passed on over the rainbow bridge a few months ago, I am again sharing an earlier post “Help from Harley”. I hope you will enjoy Harley’s practical advice and wry sense of humor.

HELP FROM HARLEY (Originally posted March 20, 2014)

Lily apologizes because Rush Limbaugh wasn’t available and Oprah didn’t have enough advance notice, so today’s special host is Harley the Himalayan of Lakeville, Minnesota. He’s taking questions from cats around the country from his non-motorized power basket situated under the living room table.

Dear Harley: My colorblind human brought home a new pink cat bed for me to sleep in. He doesn’t care, because he can’t see color, but I can. Do I have to be worried about compromising my masculinity by sleeping in it?

Signed,

Fanger from Fargo

Dear Fanger: You have nothing to worry about. After all, look at me. Besides, the feline babes love it!

Harley the Himalayan in his non-motorized power basket.

Dear Harley: My humans brought home a snotty little kitten. She comes over to lick my fur while I’m trying to sleep. I am a mature, elegant cat who has no time for such nonsense. What do you suggest I do to put her in place?

Signed, 

Tertius from Teaneck

Dear Tertius: I suggest large doses of catnip and if there’s some left over, give it to the kitten.

Tasha, partied out.

Dear Harley: How do you keep your hair so beautiful? Lily says she gets lots of grooming tips from you. What do you suggest?

Signed, 

Tangled in Trenton

Dear Tangled: Two words: crème rinse.

(Not Harley)

Which of these questions and answers did you like the best? I must admit, Harley
got right to the point!

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Tweet this: Lilybits: News, Views, and Celebrating our 200th Blog Post! Amazon card #giveaway! #cathumor

Rick Barry - WWII Buff Blending Historical and Speculative Writing

Chance to enter the drawing extended until
Wed., Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.! See details below. 

Winner announced below in the comment
section! 

Rick Barry is a fellow client of Linda S. Glaz of the Hartline Literary Agency. He has a unique story to tell in his latest novel, The Methusaleh Project. He is giving away a copy of his book to one randomly chosen reader in the U.S. who leaves a comment and email address below. Thanks for visiting!

About The Methuselah Project:

In World War II, German scientists began many experiments. One never ended. 

Roger Greene is a war hero. Raised in an orphanage, the only birthright he knows is the feeling that he was born to fly. Flying against the Axis Powers in World War II is everything he always dreamed―until the day he's shot down and lands in the hands of the enemy.

When Allied bombs destroy both his prison and the mad genius experimenting on POWs, Roger survives. Within hours, his wounds miraculously heal, thanks to those experiments. The Methuselah Project is a success―but this ace is still not free. Seventy years later, Roger hasn't aged a day, but he has nearly gone insane. This isn't Captain America―just a lousy existence only made passable by a newfound faith. The Bible provides the only reliable anchor for Roger's sanity and his soul. When he finally escapes, there's no angelic promise or personal prophecy of deliverance, just confusion. It's 2015―and the world has become an unrecognizable place.

Katherine Mueller―crack shot, genius, and real Southern Belle―offers to help him find his way home. Can he convince her of the truth of his crazy story? Can he continue to trust her when he finds out she works for the very organization he's trying to flee?

Thrown right into pulse-pounding action from the first page, readers will find themselves transported back in time to a believable, full-colored past, and then catapulted into the present once more. The historical back-and-forth adds a constantly moving element of suspense to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Rick, welcome to my blog! I’m excited to have you visit. The Methusaleh Project has a fascinating premise. What would you like to share about your book?

This story has been especially close to my heart, even more so than my first two novels, and I believe it’s my best one yet. For years, the World War 2 era has fascinated me, and I’ve read many accounts by men and women who were thrown into it and had to deal with things no human would want to experience. Airplanes have always been connected with my family, since Dad learned to fly back in the 1940s as a teenager. So, for me, penning a story about a World War 2 pilot caught  against his will in a top-secret experiment became a natural storyline.

The fact that The Methusaleh Project takes place in historical and present times and involves a science experiment, makes it look like the perfect blend of historical and science fiction. What inspired you to write such a story?

History fascinates me, especially the 1940s, when the world was going through a global upheaval, so choosing a character from the forties was natural for me.

I will confess that writing a book with alternating chapters from the past and present was a challenge. It forced me to watch my timeline carefully and to align the story with actual events that happened, both in history and the present, right up to the final edit. It was fun and exciting, but a challenge to do without resorting to time machines or anything weird. Although the story is lightly tinged by sci-fi, I wanted the whole plot to seem believable, as if an actual Methuselah Project really could’ve happened. Who knows, maybe it did!

TWEET HERE: The Methuselah Project by @WriterRickBarry is WWII fiction with a twist! #historicalfiction #bookgiveaway

What is your favorite place and time of day to write?

Unfortunately, my schedule often forces me to write in short spurts of 20 minutes here, and 30 minutes there. Sometimes I squeeze in those moments in my little home office before leaving for work in the morning. Often at lunchtime I will eat quickly, then add more sentences to the story for 30 minutes. I’ve used dead time in airplane terminals and on airliners to create. Once in a great while, when I get a rare block of two or more hours, I will write at the local Panera. In fact, my character Katherine even mentions Panera, so yesterday I presented a complimentary copy of The Methuselah Project to the manager of our local Panera and explained that part of the book had been written in her back corner. She was excited to hear it!

Has your work as a missionary impacted your writing? If so, how?

It’s probably more accurate to say that my Christian faith in general has impacted my writing. Since every novelist creates by delving into all the things stored in his heart and memories to embellish his fiction, my underlying God-centered view of the universe underlies each book. What I can say is that my many, many travels to various parts of Eastern and Western Europe have provided real-life details that I’ve stitched into the storyline for realism. 

What will your next book be about?

Years ago I wrote a series of short stories for Breakaway, which was Focus on the Family’s magazine for teen guys. The title for the series was The Next Fithian. The hero was named Rankin, a normal young man who unexpectedly receives a special title, a special ability, and an assignment too big to handle. Now I’ve expanded those short stories into a full-length adventure, which my agent Linda Glaz has begun to shop around. It’s quite different. Yet, when my wife was reading the manuscript she came to me with it in hand and said, “This is it. Whatever else you’re working on, drop it and concentrate on this!” She’d never done that before. My proofreaders had similar reactions. So, I hope some editor out there catches that same vision.

That said, I also want to write a sequel for The Methuselah Project. I purposely left a number of threads hanging. I believe readers will want to rejoin Roger Greene for his next mission.

Thank you, Rick, for joining me this week. It's been great interviewing you!

Rick Barry is the author of three novels and over 200 articles and fiction stories. In addition to being a World War II buff, he is the director of church planting support at BIEM, a Christian ministry operating in Eastern Europe. He holds a degree in foreign languages, speaks Russian, and has visited Europe more than fifty times. Rick and his wife, Pam, live near Indianapolis, Indiana. Visit him at facebook.com/AuthorRickBarry, or on Twitter (@WriterRickBarry).

TWEET HERE: The Methuselah Project: A WWII POW deals with the downside of anti-aging? @WriterRickBarry #WWIIfiction #bookgiveaway

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Meet Award Winning Author, Carole Brown

Carole Brown and I met when I attended an Ohio writers’ retreat with a fellow

Michiganian. I was intrigued by Carole’s ideas as we sat in a brainstorming

session together.

She will be giving away an e-book copy of her latest cozy mystery, Bat Crazy.

Please leave a comment to enter. You MUST leave your email address with

your comment to qualify. Thank you!

TWEET TO SHARE: Why does Carole Brown  like to write cozy mysteries? via @kathleenrouser @browncarole212 http://bit.ly/1DvT7NI #cozymysteries #amwriting 

Welcome, Carole! I’m glad to have you at my blog this week. Please tell us about your latest release, Bat Crazy. That is an intriguing name!

Thanks! Bat Crazy is a fun lighthearted book, as was Hog Insane, and I hope all of them in this series. Upcoming titles include:

• Ÿ  Daffy’s Duck
• Ÿ  Mad Dog
• Ÿ  Kitty’s Mania
• Ÿ  Horse Senseless

 Who knows if there will be others? J

Here is the blurb for Bat Crazy:

Monster Bats with red eyes that attack humans?

Denton doesn’t think so and Alex hopes not, but who are they to quibble with the local gossip?

Transmission problems and a blown tire land Denton and Alex Davies right in the middle of a dilapidated, unfriendly town that’s welcoming no strangers, least of all nosy ones with a bent toward solving mysteries.

But with support from the town detective--an admirer of the Davies--and their own tenacious personalities, Denton and Alex aren’t easily scared off. Not when warnings in the form of painted bats show up on the porch of their rented cabin, not when the mayor threatens to run them out of town and not even when Denton finds the bones . . .

An ancient story, a bit of a map, a lost jewel and even a bat clan serve to provide the

Davies and their sidekick, Taffy, the dog, their hardest case so far.

I understand this is the second book of a mystery series. What inspired you to write these and to invent these characters?

I’d initially written the first book, Hog Insane, as a short story. Later on, I wanted to develop it into a book and thought their personalities would make great characters for a mystery book.

I suppose I’ve given them many of my own (and hubby’s) loves and traits:

• Ÿ  Mystery books
• Ÿ  Traveling
• Ÿ  A pet: a dog, in this instance
• Ÿ  Alex has a love of shoes and is a bit headstrong
• Ÿ  Denton loves fishing, likes his own way, and is intuitive.

I like to give Denton and Alex a bit of dry humor, episodes of dry teasing, and plenty of love. They don’t always agree--in fact, seldom do, but since the first book, they’ve learned to deal with their differences.

I’ve always loved mysteries. Especially cozies. They are so warm, fun and well, COZY! Lots of fun to read. So it made sense that someday I would attempt writing a mystery series along with my suspense novels.

When I decided to do a mystery series, I wanted to use titles with “insane-type” words in them. Hog Insane is the first book introducing the characters Denton and Alex Davies who are early retirees, who travel around the country in their RV solving mysteries with their pet dog, Taffy.

Do you have a theme which runs through your writing? If so, what is it?

In this series, the main plot is the mystery, of course, but I filter in relational threads too.

In the first book, it was the relationship between Alex and Denton. Their personal likes and differences, Denton’s stubbornness and insistence on having his way in a certain instance, and Alex’s independence, caused a rife between them that was both serious and complex. Not only did Denton have to learn what/who is important but that his opinion isn’t what always matters. Alex, on the other hand, needed to learn that life doesn’t always flow in the direction we desire. Happiness can be found in areas for which we hadn’t planned.

Fortunately--for readers!--it resolved satisfactory. 

In Bat Crazy, there are two:

•   An older couple who had the potential of having it all: success, looks, love, etc., but their own pettiness spoiled it for them. Neither would compromise their desires in the least. They live out their lives seeking and never finding true happiness.Ÿ  

• The second couple is young, hardworking, and smart. Their love might cause difficulties in the way they handle situations, but that same love covers a multitude of “sins.”

Both of these couples play an important secondary part of the mystery, and in that same secondary way, I hope readers get a hint of what true relationships are meant to be. Not perfect, but determined, faithful and compromising as needed. Love isn’t easy at times, but it’s sure worth fighting for!

Is coffee or tea your favorite beverage when facing a deadline? Or something else?

Coffee, of course! And I like mine hot, with a bit of cream. NO flavors. Yeah, I know. In today’s world, that’s a bit odd, but it is what it is.

In my normal writing days, I jump up every so often for a few minutes break. Deadline periods find me so focused on reaching goals that I forget--or don’t have the time--to think about food, drink or much else.

I can “reward” myself later with favorite snacks.

Is there any part of scripture which you feel guides your writing?

I suppose the time I realized I needed to be faithful to what God wanted me to write, was the most freeing, satisfactory period of my writing. Of course, that came with choices.

• Ÿ  What’s popular in today’s reading world and what type of book(s) did God want me to share with others? 

• Ÿ  What publishers require/want to sell: is that what God wants ME to write? If so, wonderful! If not, can I be brave and determined enough to follow his leading in my writing journey?

Ÿ  Restrictions on how or what to include in your books. This is a toughie. Not everyone can write/deal with some of the real world’s topics and that‘s okay. But abuse, a loosening of marriage morals, trust and deceit, and many other issues are not going to go away. God’s given me the ability to address some of these topics, and I have to be faithful.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe there are rules and boundaries and suggestions that are good and right. I appreciate that and do my best to accept them. These help make me a better writer.

I love this scripture found in Revelation chapter 17, verse 14b:

. . . For he is the Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called and chosen and faithful.

Beautiful, and meaningful to me.

Please tell us about where your favorite place is to write.

Lol. My huge desk that hubby refurbished for me. Somewhere (don’t ask me where!) hubby found this huge, ugly, black wooden thing. Rounded on one corner, it was far from anything I’d ever desire. UNTIL, he showed me what he wanted to do with it. Ah, it’s beauty was revealed. I have plenty of room and with the bookshelves he built on the wall above it, plenty of nooks and crannies around me, you can find me there in my little corner many hours of many days.

Other than that, I find myself enjoying my writing hours while we’re traveling at times. I not only get writing done, but have a brain-stormer, sounding board, and critique partner all wrapped up in one with my husband beside me. (He can’t escape, see, cause he’s driving! J )

 About Carole: Carole Brown not only has her award winning (Winner of the 2015 Christian Small Publisher Award in General Fiction, nominated for an Epic Award, RWA International Digital Awards finalist in Inspiration, Laurel Award finalist, Selah finalist; Genesis semi-finalist) debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, available for purchase now, but also a companion book called West Virginia Scrapbook: From the Life of Caralynne Hayman, is filled with tidbits of information about West Virginia.

A fun, lighthearted mystery series began with the first book: Hog Insane, introducing Denton and Alex Davies and now her second book in this series, Bat Crazy. Her WWII romantic suspense Spies series began with With Music In Their Hearts, featuring three red-headed sisters, three spies, and three stories.

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Where to find Carole online:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=67381031

Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Stitches in Time:  http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/

Does LOL Make You Feel Better?

Who hasn’t turned first to “Laughter is the Best Medicine” or “Humor in Uniform” in Reader’s Digest? Well, perhaps not so much the younger generation. Even before research was ever done on humor, we knew that laughter makes us feel good inside.

Research has revealed that a good guffaw increases oxygen intake and blood flow while relieving stress. Watching something humorous may help you better tolerate the pain in your humerus--or pain any other place in your body. A gaggle of giggles may cause the release of endorphins, those brain chemicals that make you feel good. It can even boost your immune system.

The naysayers don’t believe there is necessarily conclusive evidence, since it’s hard not to create a biased study and include all the right parameters. But let’s face it, watching a comedy or reading humorous writing just makes you feel better and can give you a lift for the day.

There are so many things in this world: violence, poverty, illness, and daily tragedies we are bombarded with through the media. If we are alive and breathing we will each face difficulties in our lives—if not today, then someday.

In God’s own word, Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.” We can only focus on the sad and seemingly hopeless situations in our lives for so long. The Lord gave us the capacity for humor, for sharing smiles, and for good rollicking laughter with it’s healing touch.

Lilybits says, "I am not amused!"

Sometimes just the irony of a situation is enough to present us with a way to look at it humorously.  Stepping back from our difficulties and looking at the blessings in life can give us that glimpse of hope we desperately need. Seeing the funny side of life helps us look at the world differently. That's why Lilybits and I like to focus on “The good, the cat, and the inspiring.” We would love to know that our blog makes you smile or, perhaps, LOL each time you stop by. And we trust you will forgive us for an occasional overdose of
silliness! 
Tweet to Share: Does LOL Make You Feel Better? via @kathleenrouser #laughterheals 

LILYBITS for PRESIDENT in 2016!

  Background photo-Epic Fireworks {CC} Modified

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are not supported by any political party. They aren't necessarily endorsed by the owner of this blog. The views expressed in this article are definitely from a whimsical cat's eye point of view. 

As a feline of some distinction, I am quite upset neither major political party has considered me for a run. A run for president in 2016 that is.

That guy with the big mouth and toupee may be complaining about illegal aliens, but I suggest there’s a more dire threat out there. Our major cities have rats and mice lurking in all the dark places. Why, I could command an army of cats to take care of that problem in no time.

What about those politicians who used to brag they’d put a “chicken in every pot?” I’m suggesting that it would be less expensive and more nutritious to put a can of tuna in every cupboard! Besides, tuna contains all those omega fatty acids, which are good for your brain. Hmm . . . wait a minute . . . we don’t need our humans getting smarter. Perhaps a chicken in every pot for them and leave the tuna in the cupboard to the cats. Yes, this is a much better idea for my platform.

If you’re concerned about the leader of the free world not having opposable thumbs, well, who do you think is typing this? I’m quite clever after all. I have trained my live-in servants well. Without any work, other than being cute, I have obtained a home, two wet food meals a day and free flowing kibble. What have you done to improve your circumstances lately, without working for it, I may add? Hmm?

Purrs and head scratchings are excellent for diplomatic proceedings. (One of our former presidents proved that by giving the German chancellor a back rub.) A slight tilt of the head and my large expressive eyes will get a diplomat from anywhere to cave to my demands quite quickly. 

Now, considering your doubts because of my youth, since I am around nine in human years, I am actually around 45 in cat years. I’ve been around the block. Well, not literally. I'm not allowed outside. (Fleas!) Now that Mom is brushing me regularly and I’m getting that tasty hairball medicine, I’m in pretty good shape, though.

If you’re worried about the defense of our nation, I am very territorial and will protect it this country by fang and claw! And so will my army of FFF (Ferocious Female Felines). We’ll leave the defense on water to the human navy, though. Might I remind you cats don’t like to get wet?

If you find me less silly, cleverer and more startlingly beautiful than the other candidates, then write in Lilybits Rouser for president at your state’s next presidential primary. After all if you're going to vote for a third party you might as well vote for me. A vote is a terrible thing to waste!

Tweet to share: What happens when a cat tries to run for political office? Find out at http://bit.ly/1N6eN6q via @kathleenrouser #silly #cats

J'nell Ciesielski Shares Tips for Historical Research

J’nell Ciesielski is a fellow client of Linda S. Glaz and the Hartline Literary Agency. She finaled in the Dixie First Chapter contest in 2011, the Launching a Star contest in 2011, and won first place for the Inspy category of the Maggie Award in 2012! Her marvelous attention to detail comes through beautifully in her writing, so I invited J’nell to share some tips for historical research. You will enjoy what she has to share.

J’nell, please tell us something about yourself.

Born in Florida, I spent a happy childhood splashing on the sugar white beaches only known to the Sunshine Stare. While in middle school, my dad got a job transfer to Texas where I graduated from Texas A&M with a B.S. in Psychology. Not knowing what else to do with my life and seeing as how writing wasn’t paying the bills yet, I joined the Air Force. Stationed in Germany I was privileged to travel to France, Austria, the Netherlands, England, and my favorite, Scotland. I also met my awesome husband over there. Finding him was worth wearing camouflage and combat boots every day. After serving our four years, we now live in Virginia where I’m a stay at home mom to a busy one and a half year old and a very lazy beagle.

Want to learn about random history facts or things that time has forgotten? My blog is for you! I like talking about famous women spies, pirate foods, FANY ambulance drivers, and how to properly wear a filleadh mhor (that’s great kilt to you and me). It’s the perfect place to expound upon little details I uncover during research and that doesn’t get more than a passing reference in my books. Things like why Pekinese dog hair was used to make blankets for burned victims in WWI. 

A recommended resource.

What do you consider the best resources for historical research? 

Start with movies. No, Hollywood isn’t the most accurate when it comes to historical details (Pearl Harbor anyone?), but they’ll give you a sense and feel for the era. Get you in the mood, so to speak. Once you’ve mastered sitting in front of the flickering screen for hours, give your eyes a break and go listen to music from that time. If your story is in 1941 France then try Edith Piaf. If you’re galloping in the Highlands, go for some bagpipes, and for the Revolutionary War try a drum and fife march in your living room. Kidding. Unless it helps, and then I say no holds barred. You’ll find out not just the type of rhythms they liked, but the messages in there. What was important to people of that time? Were they hopeful, were they sad or angry, did they just want to get back home to their girls? It’s amazing how much history is written into those little tunes.

One of J'nell's favorite writing places, with her dog, Daisy, for company.

Now it’s time to stretch your legs! Go to museums, get in touch with professionals, interview those who lived during that time (if possible), or attend reenactments. Just don’t let your search stop at Wikipedia. And of course, read. Read everything you can get your hot, greedy hands on. Biographies, diaries, fashion magazines, newspapers, and anything else that will give you insight into the daily lives and extraordinary events going on.

Research notes!

Those sound like excellent suggestions, J'nell. What period of history do you find most fascinating? And is there a specific location related to that which you like to study?

I may have to cheat on this one, but since no one is here to stop me I’ll do it anyways. My mood determines which time period I find fascinating, and the mood is often dependent on watching certain movies. Like everyone else on the planet, Sunday nights spent at Downton Abbey give me a longing for Edwardian England. If a sense of daring adventure strikes, I’ll write about pirates and sailing the high seas. For bravery that defies society’s rules and honor that risks it all for love I dive into a world war. And if I need warriors and their fiery ladies amidst a backdrop of breathtaking beauty I head to Scotland.

J'nell at Eilean Donan Castle.

Even though I switch around the century that my stories occupy, I tend to keep them based on the British Isles and the western half of the Continent. Why? Because I’m an Anglophile and love writing men with Scottish accents. Seriously though, there’s such a rich history that is passed down from generation to generation that affected how they dressed, ate, social circles, what they said and how they said it. I’m so proud to be an American, but there’s something so exciting about places different from my own. Castles, moors of heather, centuries old buildings, driving on the wrong side of the road, moody weather, what’s not to love? And of course, the accents hehe J

The one thread that ties these centuries and places together is the characters that inhabit them. Characters who dare to risk it all, including their own lives, for the one they love. Clothes, countries, and politics may change, but love never does.

How true!

Are you the kind of person who searches for answers to particular questions? Or do you completely immerse yourself in your historical research?

J'nell on more of her world travels.

Both! I’ve always loved history. I was the nerd in school who put together historical research papers and read them to the class for fun. So I have a pretty fair knowledge of what happened when and the general essence of different eras. Starting with that broad scope, I then narrow my focus to what was happening during the time frame I set my story in. What were the politics, who wasn’t getting along with whom, what kind of transportation did they have and how long did it take them to get from place to place. Most exciting of all were the kinds of fashion for the day. Once I have a big overview of the year, I then go back to look up specific questions which often lead me down more than one rabbit hole, but sometimes those holes hold the most fascinating tidbits that end up in the story.

As the story goes on, I find myself looking for very specific things. What color chairs did Hitler have in the Berghof? What brand of lipstick was available in 1941 England? How would a sailor get tar out of his hair on board a ship? What song would a Tommy sing hunkered down in a trench on the Somme? For A Rolls Royce in No Man’s Land it took me a whole week of reading and watching youtube videos to learn how to change a tire on a vintage Rolls Royce. No detail is too small for me because I believe it’s these little things that bring the story to life. And yes, I’ve been known to look up weather records for certain days in history.

I have looked up weather record as well. I guess I'm not alone in that.

Another recommended book.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share for effective historical research?

Never stop reading! Books are our gateway to the world. That’s a little heavy I know, but it’s true. You’ll never know the kinds of things you’ll learn each time you open a book and let the pages take you away. And if not a book, the Internet is a boundless source of information. For pretty much anything you could possibly want to know about, and even the things you don’t, there’s a website out there.

If you can, visit the places you’re writing about. I was privileged to live in Europe for three years and we took as many opportunities as we could to visit different places. I remember the unique smell of Paris streets, the feel of the wind whipping through my hair as I stood on a cliff in Skye, the bullet holes still in the stone walls of Kaiserslautern, Germany as we walked to get a pretzel, the beautiful green richness of Bavaria, and the clanging of Big Ben on a gloomy afternoon. I can feel these places each time I write about them, and hopefully my stories are richer for the experiences.

Just remember to always double check your facts! You don’t want your Scots running around in clan tartans ala Braveheart when the ‘clan tartan’ wasn’t really invented until the nineteenth century.

You are indeed blessed to have been able to visit all those places, J'nell. 

Thank you for taking the time to be a guest on my blog, J’nell! You've shared very

helpful information. 

You’re welcome! I loved sharing with you!

We'd love your comments. What do you find difficult about
historical research? Do you love it? Or does it bog you
down? Do you have a question for J'nell? 

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Meet Karen Campbell Prough and Ella Dessa!

Award winning author, Karen Campbell Prough, writes historical fiction and a broad range of short stories. She knows her life-long desire to write comes from God. The love of books and the heartfelt urge to be a storyteller has been with her since childhood. Seven of her short stories were published in a variety of magazines. She has won awards at the 2014 BRMCWC and the 2015  FCWC. Her first book, The Girl Called Ella Dessa, came out April 2015.

 Welcome to my blog, Karen! Please tell us about your debut novel, The Girl Called Ella Dessa.

The Girl Called Ella Dessa, is the beginning of a young girl’s journey through grief, the reality of awful scars, and young love. The story takes place in the rolling mountains above Dahlonega, Georgia. It was a time when gold mining in the surrounding hills had put its mark on the lives of many local men. Ella Dessa loses everything close to her. But a widow, with five children, is happy to take her in and give her a home. Through the friendship of a teen named Samuel, Ella Dessa realizes the hint of love does live in her bleak world. But she does not desire Samuel’s loyal attention. It is his older brother who captures Ella Dessa’s thoughts.

         Is there anything about yourself you see coming through your main character?

Her stubbornness? J Ella Dessa is quite independent, and she knows when to accept her role in life and try to accomplish the things that matter.

     What compelled you to write this story?

Imagination is a driving force in me. I never outline or know where my stories are going when I start writing. I sometimes feel as if the characters compel me to put their story on paper—just so glimpses into their past will be saved and shared. Life is never easy, and life in the hills and mountains during 1836 was not a joyous vacation. And I love to vacation in those mountains!

      You cover some difficult issues very carefully in your book. What prompted you to deal with them in your story?

As I mentioned before, I don’t outline or plan what I’ll write. It just happens along the way, as the story grows. But I believe people don’t always know what is behind the misbehavior of all children. This world is not ideal, and no story written true to life is perfect. Children suffer things they shouldn’t have to in this world.

In the past, I worked with children, as a volunteer, through Guardian Ad Litem. I have seen the way teens and little kids deal with issues thrown at them by the adults in their lives—the ones who are suppose to love and protect them. I started writing this book and realized the period in history doesn’t matter. Bad things happened in the past. I had created a mean, unseen character who left his children and wife for the love of gold. Hurt is the same in 1836 as it is in our day and time. Children act out because of the pain and are sometimes misunderstood. I wanted to present some indications of behavior problems that might leave clues, which should raise awareness.

      Will there be a sequel? If so, would you like to tell us more about it?

There is a second book in the editing process right now. We will visit the mountains above Dahlonega, Georgia and Ella Dessa’s life once more! And love is a key factor in book two, but that’s not to say there won’t be trials and pain along the way. Have to keep an eye out for a minor character. He returns and causes major problems for Ella Dessa. Anyone want to guess who the man might be?

Have you seen any good movies lately, which you would recommend to other writers to watch for the quality of the story?

I wish I could say that I have watched a good movie, but the truth is … I rarely watch movies anymore. I find myself too busy with life and writing.

Thank you for joining me this week, Karen, and sharing about your writing journey. 
Easily enter the drawing for Karen's excellent novel, A Girl Called Ella Dessa,
through the Rafflecopter giveaway below by midnight August 6th. (The contest
will start at midnight tonight.) 

Please Tweet this:  Karen Campbell Prough shows her love of the
mountains in Georgia in A Girl Called Ella Dessa.  #historicalfiction

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