5-5-5 Day 4: Stephanie Grace Whitson

Welcome to the 5-5-5 event, Stephanie! I’m so honored to be hosting you today. Now, five questions! First of all, could you tell us a little about your most recent book, Messageon the Quilt?

The Message on the Quilt is set in 1890 Beatrice, Nebraska, which hosted a huge event called Chautauqua which brought literally tens of thousands of people to the community to hear famous orators and to participate in other cultural events. The main character is Emilie Rhodes, whose newspaper editor father has always encouraged Emilie to think for herself—until, that is, thinking for herself leads Emilie away from the future her parents have planned for her. When Emilie goes to work for her father’s competition, she meets and falls in love with “The Man of Many Voices,” a noted orator appearing at the Chautauqua. But Noah Shaw’s professional life is only one reason he’s in Nebraska. He’s on a quest to find answers about the past. As Noah discovers the real meaning behind the symbols his mother embroidered on a treasured quilt, he realizes that a future with Emilie is probably impossible.  

What’s something you love about Message on the Quilt?

The line that says something to the effect that God is often doing His best work when we are tempted to think He isn’t paying any attention at all.

If Message on the Quilt was made into a movie…do you have actors/actresses in mind to play the main characters? If not, can you describe a bit of what you’d be looking for?

I often seek character inspiration in my collection of 19^th century photographs. Here are the inspiration for Emilie and Noah (together) and Emilie’s father, the newspaper editor.

You’ve written multiple books. Out of all the covers, which is your favorite? Hard question, I know.

I love different covers for different reasons. Of course cover styles change over the years, so my older book covers would be considered “dated” now. It’s also a fact of the publishing business that different publishers often establish a specific artistic “look” to their covers. Many readers responded positively to the cover art for Sixteen Brides, even mentioning the cover when they contacted me about the book. What I love about this particular cover is that “my” women’s personalities do show up in the way they are posed and in what they’ve chosen to wear.

Finally, what can we expect from you book-wise in the future?

Readers will go back to 1867 St. Louis with me and board the Laura Rose, a steamboat plying the Missouri River. They’ll meet Laura Rose White and Finn MacKnight, who are polar opposites but who are forced to learn to work together. A Captain for Laura Rose releases in the spring of 2014.

Find Stephanie on the following websites: 

 

www.Facebook.com/stephaniegracewhitson

www.stephaniewhitson.com

www.stephaniegracewhitson.blogspot.com

www.footnotesfromhistory.blogspot.com

Thank you so much for coming, Stephanie! I can't wait for that next book. So much fun to get to know you better! 

Next up, links to the other things posted on Austenitis related to Stephanie Grace Whitson and her books.  

• The Quilt Chronicles series (The Key on the Quilt, The Shadow on the Quilt, The Message on the Quilt)
• The Dakota Moons series (Valley of the Shadow, Edge of the Wilderness, Heart of the Sandhills) 
• The Prairie Winds series (Walks the Fire, Soaring Eagle, Red Bird)
• Sixteen Brides
• A Most Unsuitable Match
• A Claim of Her Own
• Unbridled Hope 
• Jacob's List
• Cover Focus (Sixteen Brides, A Most Unsuitable Match)
• Older interview with Stephanie 

Told you she was one of my favorite authors. ;) Now, Stephanie has offered up a copy of Message on the Quilt for one of you lucky people! It was a great book that I really enjoyed, and I think you will too. 

 

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5-5-5 Day 3: Johnnie Alexander Donley

Welcome to the 5-5-5 event, Johnnie! I’m so glad to be hosting you today, on the third day of the event. :) Now, five questions! First of all, could you tell us a little about your book, Where Treasure Hides?

The novel is a story of sacrifice and hope against the backdrop of World War II. Talented artist Alison Schuyler and British army officer Ian Devlin face nearly insurmountable obstacles in their quest to build a life together. Besides the war, they are separated by a strange family curse and the schemes of a Nazi officer who is obsessed with Alison and her artistic legacy.

What’s something you love about Where Treasure Hides?

I had to skip this question and come back to it because there is so much I love about this novel. When it comes to the story itself, I love the characters – even evil, misguided Theodor. They lived out the story, surprising me with their secrets and astounding me with their courage.  

I also love the creative process and how themes and events I never planned just came together to create something whole and complete. That’s the inner joy and reward of writing . . . and of not giving up.

If Where Treasure Hides was made into a movie…do you have actors/actresses in mind to play the main characters? If not, can you describe a bit of what you’d be looking for?

I love classic movies so my first impulse is to look toward the past to cast my characters. In my dream movie, Ian is played by Joseph Cotten, Alison is played by Ingrid Bergman (on the left), and the Nazi officer, Theodor Scheidemann, is played by Van Johnson (with a dueling scar).

A more contemporary cast would have Dan Stevens (Matthew from Downton Abbey fame) as Ian, a young Gwyneth Paltrow as Alison, and a blond, also younger Jim Caviezel as Theodor.

Obviously I need help choosing appropriate younger actors for my contemporary cast. What can I say? These seem right to me. Besides, I’m a bit ignorant when it comes to current Hollywood celebrities.

Delightful! This is your first book, right? What do you think of the cover?

Yes, this is my first novel. When Tyndale sent me the cover as an email attachment, I hesitated before opening it. I wanted to like it so much and didn’t want to be disappointed. As the cover appeared on my screen, my eyes misted as I oohed and aahed. I absolutely love the cover. My husband had it enlarged and framed as an early Christmas gift. It’s beautiful.

It is indeed! A favorite of mine. Finally, what can we expect from you book-wise in the future?

Those who read the story know the ending is bittersweet. I’m working out the details for a sequel. But in the meantime, I’m returning to a previous manuscript and giving it a major revision. Ian Devlin is a secondary character in that story – but it’s the one that first gave him life. It features an American actress who works on an espionage mission with Ian for the Allies and who also falls in love with a German POW. She has a brief appearance in Where Treasure Hides.

Can't wait to read it! Readers, please see the links below to find Johnnie else-where on the internet. 

Treasured Moments blog: http://www.johnniedonley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnnieAlexanderDonley
Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnnie_donley
GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7420365-johnnie-donley
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/johnniealexanderdonley
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/johnniedonley/ 

Thanks for coming by, Dani! I know you're a busy lady, and I really appreciate you making the time for this. And readers, the best part? She's offered a copy of this book, Where Treasure Hides, for giveaway to one of you! At present, it's only been published in digital...I have hopes for a hard copy someday though. :)

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5-5-5 Day 2: Sandra Byrd

Please help me today welcome Sandra Byrd! She wrote one of my favorite historical series, titled the Ladies in Waiting series. Three books, one each for Anne Boleyn, Kateryn Parr, and Elizabeth I -- each told from the view point of a servant or lady in waiting. I'm thrilled that Sandra is back today!

Welcome to the 5-5-5 event, Sandra! I’m so honored to be hosting you today. Now, five questions! First of all, could you tell us a little about your most recent book, Roses Have Thorns?

Here's my publisher's well-crafted blurb!

From the acclaimed author of To Die For comes a stirring novel told that sheds new light on Elizabeth I and her court. Sandra Byrd has attracted countless fans for evoking the complexity, grandeur, and brutality of the Tudor period. In her latest tour de force, she poses the question: What happens when serving a queen may cost you your marriage--or your life?

In 1565, seventeen-year-old Elin von Snakenborg leaves Sweden on a treacherous journey to England. Her fiance has fallen in love with her sister and her dowry money has been gambled away, but ahead of her lies an adventure that will take her to the dizzying heights of Tudor power. 

Transformed through marriage into Helena, the Marchioness of Northampton, she becomes the highest-ranking woman in Elizabeth's circle. But in a court that is surrounded by Catholic enemies who plot the queen's downfall, Helena is forced to choose between her unyielding monarch and the husband she's not sure she can trust--a choice that will provoke catastrophic consequences.

Vividly conjuring the years leading up to the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots, Roses Have Thorns is a brilliant exploration of treason, both to the realm and to the heart.

What’s something you love about Roses Have Thorns?

I love the Tudors. They are the ultimate family saga - and it's all, or nearly all, true. You have love, hate, life, death, fortunes made and lost, forbidden love, faith worth fighting for, and great gowns. What more can a reader desire? Telling the story told from Helena, Marchioness of Northampton's point of view was a thrill for me. She's a real person, but very little has been written about her in Tudor fiction.

They are super interesting, gotta agree! If Roses was made into a movie…do you have actors/actresses in mind to play the main characters? If not, can you describe a bit of what you’d be looking for?

Oh, I absolutely DO have some people in mind - and I did as I wrote, too. Please visit my pinterest board to see the pictures that I thought best conveyed them, but here are a few names to get your started!

Elin/Helena: Alicia Vikander (pictured in black & white)

William Parr: John Forsythe

Thomas Gorges: David Garrett

Elizabeth: Cate Blanchett, of course (the other picture!)

Robert Dudley: Joseph Fiennes

Sofia: Emily Blunt

Princess Cecelia: Brittany Daniel

Wow, all great choices! You’ve written multiple books. Out of all the covers, which is your favorite? Hard question, I know.

Oh goodness, I really don't have a favorite. One thing I love about the covers on the Ladies in Waiting series is that great care was taken to portray the kinds of relationships that the women had. In To Die For, they hold one another like best friends. In Secret Keeper, the pose is very motherly/daughterly. And, of course, on the cover of Roses, it's clear that Elizabeth is in charge, but accessible to her closest friends.

That's a good point...I hadn't thought about it before, but you're right about those portrayals! Finally, what can we expect from you book-wise in the future?

I'm right in the midst of writing the first book of my next series, also British historical, but not Tudor era. I felt like I had explored the three Tudor queens I wanted to look at, and really, who could follow Queen Elizabeth I? This new series is great fun, though: still English, still historical, but with a little more romance this time. The first book will be out early next summer.

Please visit me!

http://www.sandrabyrd.com for everything I've written, a huge contest, and a cool Tudor Hall!

http://pinterest.com/sandrabyrdbooks/roses-have-thorns-a-novel-of-elizabeth-i/ for lots of cool things about Roses Have Thorns, including pictures of the actors I'd pick to portray my characters!

https://www.facebook.com/sandrabyrdwrites to keep in touch via Facebook - please send a friend request!

Thank you SO much for taking the time to do this, Sandra. Having you as a part of 5-5-5 just made it better! :) Readers, below you'll find my links to other things on this blog related to Sandra and her books. And below that? A lovely giveaway!

•  To Die For (Ladies in Waiting book 1)
• Secret Keeper (Ladies in Waiting book 2)
• Roses Have Thorns (Ladies in Waiting book 3)
• Cover Focus: To Die For, Secret Keeper
• Older interview with Sandra 
• Let Them Eat Cake (French Twist book 1)

Now, of course you're eager to know what you can win! Since I've given away a copy of Roses Have Thorns at a previous time, the prize Sandra graciously offered this time is a (super-cute) Buckingham Palace Book Tote! If you don't have a book tote either (1) you never go anywhere, (2) you hate books, or (3) you're TOTALLY missing out. Books should go everywhere with you. Especially Sandra's. :) So, enter below to win this adorable tote! 

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5-5-5 Day 1: Dani Pettrey

First of all, let me explain. I'm hosting an event titled "5-5-5" -- it's pretty simple. :) Five authors, five questions per author, five days. If all goes according to plan. It's in honor of a couple things... (1) a new blog header! Many thanks to its maker, Phil -- I love the header and it perfectly encapsulates Austenitis. :) (2) I'm leaving for the summer two weeks from today and won't be posting any reviews or anything during that time. And (3) we always need more giveaways. So here we go with five lovely authors!

Here to kick off the 5-5-5 event is Dani Pettrey! I’ve read two of her books this spring, and since they were both really good…I decided had to interview her. So, meet Dani!

Welcome to the 5-5-5 event, Dani! I’m so delighted that you could come by to kick this off! First of all, readers, let me introduce you to the goodreads.com synopsis of Shattered. 

Piper McKenna couldn't be more thrilled that her prodigal brother, Reef, has returned to Yancey, Alaska, after five years. But her happiness is short-lived when Reef appears at her house covered in blood. A fellow snowboarder has been killed--but despite the evidence, Reef swears he's innocent. And Piper believes him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. Piper is frustrated with his need for facts over faith, but he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth may mean risking Landon's career.

With Piper waging her own search, the two head deep into Canada's rugged backcountry--and unexpected complications. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

What’s something you love about Shattered?

I love interaction and dynamic between Piper and Landon. I fell in love with them while writing my debut novel Submerged. Initially, Piper’s story was going to be one of the last stories in my Alaskan Courage series since she’s the youngest in the family, but seeing her and Landon come to life in Submerged, I just couldn’t wait. I hope readers feel the same. :)

If Shattered was made into a movie…do you have actors/actresses in mind to play the main characters? If not, can you describe a bit of what you’d be looking for? 

Being such a visual writer, I always have actors and actresses in mind. Landon would be played by James Marsden, and Piper would be played by an auburn-haired Mandy Moore.

Oooo, that guy is perfect for Landon! You’ve written two books, right, plus one on the way? Out of the THREE covers you currently have out, which is your favorite? Hard question, I know.

Very hard question. I actually go back and forth on this, but if I was FORCED to choose, I’d go with Submerged. Not only was it my debut novel, but Bailey’s expression is just so captivating and intriguing. I feel drawn to read about her.

I have to agree with you. The streaked mascara makes that one extra real to all us ladies who know how mascara reacts to water! ;) Finally, what can we expect from you book-wise in the future?

Stranded will be out September 1st. Here’s a sneak peek:

“When her friend vanishes from a cruise ship, reporter Darcy St. James isn't satisfied with their explanation that she simply left her job of her own accord. Something isn't lining up, and Darcy believes the only way to find the truth is to put herself in Abby's position. Within days, Darcy learns her friend wasn't the only person to disappear mysteriously. Last summer, a woman vanished under almost identical circumstances.

Gage McKenna has taken a summer-long stint leading adventure excursions for the passengers of various cruise lines that dock for a few days of sightseeing. He's surprised to find Darcy working aboard one of the ships, investigating a troubling report. Something sinister is going on and the deeper they dig the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.”

There will be two more McKenna books following Stranded.

AHHH! So excited for Stranded and the next ones! Find Dani on the following sites:

www.facebook.com/danipettrey

www.twitter.com/danipettrey

www.danipettrey.com

www.goodreads.com/danipettrey

Thanks so much, Charity!

Guess what, y’all? Dani most generously has offered to give away not ONE book but TWO! One winner will receive both Submerged and Shattered. Now, I read Shattered first and really enjoyed it. So I coerced my local library in getting Submerged…LOVE. It was amazing. So I went out and bought it. You know how often I go out and buy books? Hardly ever. But this one was worth it. Before we move on to the giveaway, here are links to my reviews of Dani’s books:

• Submerged (Alaskan Courage book 1)
• Shattered (Alaska Courage book 2)

On to the giveaway! Once again, one winner will receive Submerged AND Shattered!

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