Birthday Party Interview and Giveaway: Sharlene MacLaren

Welcome to this day of my birthday party!

As my faithful readers may know, Sharlene MacLaren became one of my favorite authors as soon as I read her newest book, Livvie's Song. It's still one of my favorite books…one I read aloud to myself, I liked it so much. :) So therefore, I'm very happy to be welcoming Sharlene here today! Before you continue, make sure you read my review of Livvie's Song and the companion post to get a little background. I recommend that you buy this book!

Welcome, Sharlene! Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a retired schoolteacher turned author.  My darling hubby and I have been married for almost 36 years, we have two married daughters and four beautiful grandchildren five and under.  I have always enjoyed writing but didn’t really give fiction writing a try till the summer of 2000.  It has been an exciting, God-led journey.

What do you enjoy most about being a published author? (The books below are Sharlene's. Allow me to mention…I'm jealous of whoever owns that bookshelf. :) Those are all on my to-read ASAP list!

As I said, I love to write, but I think the most enjoyable part for me is the editing process.  Just love going over a completed manuscript, tightening narrative and dialogue, and adding layers to scenes.

What inspired you to write “Livvie’s Song”?

 Livvie’s Song is the first book in my River of Hope series.  I was inspired to write this series set in Wabash, Indiana while on a business trip with my husband.  We drove through this pleasant little town with its tree-lined streets, restored buildings, and charming old houses, and I immediately sat up and asked, “What is this place?  It’s so delightful.” My husband identified it as Wabash, and immediate warmth rushed through me.  “Oh my,” I told my husband.  “I think I feel a brand new series brewing.”

How long did it take you to write “Livvie’s Song”?

I believe it took me about seven months from start to finish once I completed a good deal of research.

What is your favorite time period to read about? How about to write about? 

I have always enjoyed reading historical fiction - i.e. late 1800s to 1930s.  And since I enjoy reading it, it would stand to reason that I’d love writing it as well.

Oh, I also love that time period. :) What’s a book you recently enjoyed reading? 

The last two books I read were Jody Hedlund’s The Preacher’s Bride and The Doctor’s Lady.  I’m very much looking forward to reading more of her books.

I'll take that as a recommendation. :) What were your favorite books as a child?

I loved reading all the Bobbsey Twins books, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Boxcar Children, The Yearling, and several other titles.

What are you currently reading?

I’m between books at the moment, so I’ll just say my beloved Bible.  I rarely miss a day of reading from God’s Word.

Thanks so much for coming, Sharlene! I had a wonderful time getting to know you! How can my readers learn more about you, or contact you? 

Please feel free to check out my website at <http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com>, my blog at <http://www.sharlenemaclaren.blogspot.com> or come on over to Facebook and find me there! <http://www.facebook.com/sharmaclaren>

Mandatory entry: you don’t have to follow Austenitis, but in order to be entered, you do need to answer this question: Have you read any of Sharlene’s books? If so, which one(s)?

You can get extra entries in this giveaway! Do one or all of the below. You don’t have to leave separate comments for each entry…whether or not you do makes no difference. But p lease mention how many entries each thing you do is worth! Thanks. J

+3 entries for blogging about this giveaway! Leave a link so I can check it out!

+1 entry for putting the Austenitis button on your blog!

+1 entry for commenting on any other post on Austenitis. If you’re a regular commentor (and I know it), just say so. J If you aren’t really, make sure you tell me which post you commented on! This entry can be used a maximum of three times.

+2 entries if you follow Austenitis!

Okay. Just read this, then you can start leaving comments! J You may leave your email address if you like. It’s not required. If you do, I will email you if you win! Also if you do, make sure you leave it like this: charityu.austenite[at]gmail[dot]com so that spammers can’t find you! I will also post the winner here. Please note that this giveaway ends on ­­­November 26. I’m sorry for my international readers, but this giveaway is USA only.