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About the Book
A collection of flash fiction stories currently at 17 stories.
Showing posts with label General Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Fiction. Show all posts
Tuesday, 8 October 2019
Wandering Ends: A #FlashFiction Collection by Phil Olson
A collection of flash fiction stories currently at 17 stories.
Wednesday, 25 July 2018
The Secrets of the Clock: A #GeneralFiction #Novel by C.S. Kjar
After retiring, she focused on writing fiction. Her novels are sweet and wholesome, suspenseful with a touch of romance. She has also written children's, middle age books, and one non-fiction book about quilting.
The author’s last name is pronounced “care.” She hopes that’s what everyone will do. Care about each other.
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About the Book
Getting along with your family can be difficult, even under normal circumstances. If your dad is Father Time, and your sisters are married to Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and Headless Horseman, family dynamics take on a whole new dimension. Essie Bunny, Sharon Claus, and Hannah Horseman are ordinary sisters with extraordinary families. They have not spoken to each other in 15 years after a big family blow-up. When their mother dies, she leaves them a cryptic message, telling them to search for her last wishes on a videotape in their childhood home. She also tells them to set the old grandfather clock to five and wait for the magic to happen.
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Keep reading for an interview with Hannah Horseman, a character from the book:
Where were you born, and what was it like growing up there?
I was born in Florida. My father, Father Time, built a cottage for my mother on several acres near the beach. My father taught me to swim, and I love to swim in the ocean. It was the perfect place to live.
Did you have a close relationship with your family?
I am the youngest of three sisters. When we were young, we were very close. When my sisters got married and moved away, I was very close to my mother. We had a wonderful time together.
What is the happiest memory from your childhood?
The days when my father visited us were the very best. We'd take a picnic to the beach and play in the water all day long. When we got tired, we'd sit under the umbrella and listen to my parents talk about the things they'd seen and done.
Who was your best friend growing up?
My mom was my best friend. Oh, the girls at school were nice, and I did things with them, but I never quite fit in. We had too many secrets at our house.
If you could compare yourself to someone from another novel, who would it be?
I think I'm very much like Hermione in the Harry Potter Books. My dad is Father Time and my mother is a regular person. That makes me not-quite-regular, but not-quite-supernatural. While I can't do magic like Hermione can, I know there are things happening around us that most people aren't aware of.
Who is your enemy?
For a while, my sisters were my enemies. They laughed at me at my wedding to Headless Horseman and made me cry. They ruined my wedding! I hated them after that. But my mother cooked up a scheme that made us forgive each other and brought us back to being sisters again. After that, anyone who threatens my family is my enemy.
Who do you most admire in your world?
I admire my husband most of all. His physical handicap (his head isn't attached to his body) makes it hard for us to out in public. People stare, and it makes him uncomfortable. Consequently, we don't get off our big horse farm in Pennsylvania too often. But I admire Headless because even though he looks scary, he's got a heart of gold. In spite of being treated horribly his whole life, he's found a way to be a good father and a good husband. He's made a good life for his family.
Tell us a little about your world, and where you fit in?
My oldest sister, Essie, is married to Easter Bunny, and my next sister, Sharon, is married to Santa Claus. We each have our special times of year that we work hard to make special for everyone else. We're normal women, but we have extraordinary lives. We live on the fringes of society so we don't draw attention to ourselves, but still, try to give our children a normal upbringing.
What was the most embarrassing moment in your life?
It was my wedding. When I came out in my black wedding dress, my sisters' mouths dropped open and Essie started laughing and pointing at me. Mother tried to quiet her, but she persisted in her ridicule. I was mortified.
What are your goals?
I want to help Headless raise the best horses in the country. He's got such a way with them that they are highly prized for their training. I want my two boys, Huntley and Horace, to grow up and be good human beings in the world. They are good-hearted kids and I hope they stay that way.
What is your greatest fear?
I'm afraid that the townspeople will discover the true identity of Headless and storm our house like they stormed the castle of Frankenstein. That's why we stay very private and keep watch for strangers prowling around. Our two hellhounds help patrol the place.
What is the most important lesson you've learned about life?
I learned how to forgive my sisters for what they did on my wedding day. You have to forgive others to maintain the relationships that will do you the most good and provide the most support.
What is the strangest situation you've ever found yourself in?
The first time I had to feed Headless was very awkward. I have to put a tube down his esophagus and pour in his nourishment. Now it's old hat, but the first time was strange.
Who has been the greatest influence in your life?
My mother! A mortal woman who fell in love with and married Father Time. My father's age changes over the course of the year. He could only visit us when his appearance matched the age it should be to look right to anyone who saw us. He came to visit later and later each year and stayed only two weeks at a time. Sometimes he'd come at Christmas when he was a very old man. We called him Gramps just so people didn't know who he was.
What is the greatest obstacle you have ever had to face?
People who don't believe in the extraordinary are hard to deal with. My sister, Sharon, says Santa's feelings get hurt when people don't believe.
Friday, 6 July 2018
A Beautiful Glittering Lie: A #Novel of the #CivilWar by J.D.R. Hawkins
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About the Book
In the spring of 1861, a country once united is fractured by war. Half of America fights for the Confederate cause; the other, for unification. Rebel forces have already seized Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines, a new Confederate president has been elected, and the Constitution has been revised. In north Alabama, a farmer and father of three decides to enlist. For Hiram Summers, it is the end of everything he has ever known.
After Hiram travels to Virginia with the Fourth Alabama Infantry Regiment, he is quickly thrust into combat. His son, David, who must stay behind, searches for adventure at home by traipsing to Huntsville with his best friend, Jake Kimball, to scrutinize invading Yankees. Meanwhile, Caroline – Hiram’s wife and David’s mother – struggles to keep up with the farm as her world revolves around the letters she receives from her husband, whom she misses dearly. As Hiram and his son discover the true meaning of war, they soon realize that their choices have torn their family apart.
In this historical tale, the naïveté of a young country is tested, a father sacrifices everything to defend his home, and a young man longs for adventure – regardless of the perilous cost.
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A week later, she learned that a list of fatalities had been posted, and knew she had to drive to Ben Johnson’s mercantile to have a look, but all the while, her heart felt as though it was breaking. She dreaded the list, dreaded the result of the terrible fighting, dreaded what the war might be doing to her home, and especially, dreaded seeing Hiram’s name listed. Traveling alone, she reached her destination, climbed down from the wagon, hitched her draft horse, and approached the two-story wooden structure. Her ankle boots clunked up the wooden steps and across the porch’s pine slat floorboards with every step she took. She pulled the front door open, and a tiny bell above it announced her arrival. Upon entering, she saw several others gathered around a notice tacked to a wall. Ben Johnson nodded her way. He threw a glance toward the posted list. She knew what it meant.
Slowly, feeling like she was floating, she approached the others, passing by the dry goods, the glass cases displaying pottery, clothing, and sewing notions, and under farm equipment hanging from the ceiling rafters. Some of the women were sobbing, covering their faces with handkerchiefs, while others turned away, or stared at her with vacant eyes. As they drifted off, she stepped toward the ominous poster, held her breath, and forced herself to gaze upon the names. When she had reached the bottom, she breathed a sigh of relief. Hiram’s name wasn’t on the list, although she recognized one that was. Turning toward the counter, she wiped a trickling tear from her cheek, walked over, and requested a copy of the Southern Advocate.
Initially at a loss for words, Ben cleared his throat. “I reckon Hiram’s name ain’t on there,” he finally said.
The revelation started sinking in. Caroline smiled. “No, thankfully not.”
Ben returned the smile. “Right glad to hear it.” He handed her a newspaper. “The editor of this paper, Mr. William Figures, has a son who’s with your husband’s regiment.”
“Oh?” she replied cordially. “He’s all right, ain’t he? I mean, I didn’t see…”
“Yes, ma’am, far as I can tell.”
“That’s mighty fine. Well, I’ll be on my way. Good-day, Mr. Johnson.” Turning to leave, she opened the paned-glass door.
Ben called out, “When you write to that man of yours, tell him I said hello.”
“I surely will,” she replied.
Returning to the wagon, she untied Joe Boy, climbed aboard, slapped the reins, and drove out of view from the mercantile before pulling the vehicle to a stop. Uncontrollably, she burst into tears, sobbing convulsively until her heartache subsided.
Monday, 2 April 2018
Fatal Rivalry: A General #Fiction #Novel by Mercedes Rochelle
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In 1066, the rivalry between two brothers brought England to its knees.
See the tumultuous events surrounding the Norman Conquest through the eyes of The Sons of Godwine. Harold and Tostig were not always enemies; it took a massive Northumbrian uprising to tear them apart, making one an exile and the other his sworn enemy. And when 1066 came to an end, all the Godwinesons were dead except one: Wulfnoth, hostage in Normandy.
For two generations, Godwine and his sons were a mighty force, but their power faded away as the Anglo-Saxon era came to a close.
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Keep reading for an excerpt:
"Silence," King Edward shouted. "We are not here to determine why the Northumbrians revolted, but how to stop their depredations." That helped quiet the room down. "There is no justification for their illegal actions," the king continued. "They have pillaged and killed my lawful subjects. They have risen up in rebellion against Tostig's lawful rule. They must be punished."
Finally! I stood straighter, more confident now that the king was in control.
Harold cleared his throat. "Sire," he said, beginning slowly. "Are you speaking of civil war?"
Edward turned to my brother impatiently. "Call it what you will," he said disdainfully. "These people must be chastised. They are in rebellion against their king!"
The room fell silent. Edward looked around at the witan. Where was his support?
I could feel myself losing patience, but I bit my tongue.
"Sire," my brother ventured again. "What would you accomplish but more bloodshed? If you compelled the Northumbrians to take back the rule of Tostig, how would we enforce it?"
"Enforce it?" I exclaimed, no longer able to control myself. "What are you saying, brother?" I seized him by the arms and faced him, eye to eye. "We will enforce it with our soldiers!"
"We would have to lay waste to your whole earldom! Is that what you want?"
"If that's what it takes, then yes!"
"Tostig, aren't you listening? They won't take you back!"
This couldn't be my brother speaking! "I beggared myself for you," I spat. "For your endless Welsh campaign, so you could come home with all the glory! Is this how you thank me?"
My brother ignored my taunt. Leaning to one side, he tried to look around me at the king. "Think of what they are threatening, Sire. They are threatening to ravage Northamptonshire as we argue. Think of what they are doing to our country. I was there. It might be better to consider their demands."
I couldn't believe my ears! I tightened my grip on his arms.
"You can't be saying this!" I shouted in his face. "You must have instigated this rebellion! You! Who insisted I raise all the taxes! You knew what would happen! You must be in league with Edwin and Morcar! How could you turn on your own brother!"
The uproar continued, but Harold and I were locked in a private struggle. I stared him down; he was the first to look away.
"I swear!" he roared over the noise. "I swear to you that I knew nothing about this rebellion."
"We already know what your oath is worth," I growled. I doubt anyone heard me except Harold and King Edward.
But Harold was busy pointing up in the air and calling for attention. "I am willing to call oath-helpers to prove my innocence. I have witnesses! I swear I am innocent of this accusation!"
"All right, all right," Edward consented. "That will not be necessary. Now, sit down."
I didn't agree with the king. I didn't move. "My faithful brother." I spat the words. "Support me in this, else you will lose my loyalty forever."
Monday, 12 March 2018
The Sons of Godwine: A General #Fiction #Novel by Mercedes Rochelle
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Earl Godwine had great plans for his children. But he didn't understand his sons. And they barely understood each other.
This is England in the days of Edward the Confessor, when Godwine and his sons tower over the other great families. Harold emerges as the power behind the throne and would soon become king. Tostig rules the north as Earl of Northumbria. They control all the earldoms except one.
What could go wrong?
We see tumultuous events of the mid-11th c. through the eyes of Godwine's sons. Harold's story is all about Harold, but his brothers see things differently. Their remarks are tinged sometimes with admiration, sometimes with skepticism. Alas, Harold’s rise in fortune is not blameless and sometimes those closest to him must pay the price of his fame.
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Keep reading for an excerpt:
Once William and Matilda were seated, the Duke pointed to the table in the center of the hall. "Go, my friend, and take your place by the Bible."
My heart went out to Harold as he calmly stepped down and put his hand on the Bible. I knew how uncomfortable he was, but one could never tell to look at his face. He gazed at William impassively.
"My friends and nobles," said William, getting up and pacing before the assembly. "Earl Harold would return to England, despite my protests. But ere he leaves, I have asked him to swear an oath, before my assembled Lords." He turned to face Harold, who had already broken into a sweat. No mention of an oath was ever made in my presence.
"I would have you swear, my Lord Harold, that you will espouse my daughter Adeliza as soon as she is of marriageable age."
That was all right; he had offered to do so. After a moment, Harold said, "I swear."
"Secondly, I would have you swear to give up to me, this day, your castle at Dover, so that I may garrison it with Norman soldiers." The corner of William's mouth turned up into an almost unnoticeable sneer. He must have known this was impossible. Even if he would, Harold had not the power to give up a royal castle.
Harold looked up at the ceiling, sighing. "To this also I swear," he said evenly.
"And thirdly, lastly, I would have you be my man in England and uphold my claim to the throne of my friend King Edward upon his demise. In return for this, I swear to give you all the highest honors in England, and allow you to retain your earldom."
So William hadn't given up on his design for the English Crown. I was glad I had warned my brother. He stood silent for a long while. I don't think anyone really expected Harold to keep this promise. But if he didn't, he would damned as an oath breaker.
"Swear," shouted William, filling the room with his voice.
I hated Duke William at this moment, with all my heart. Shaking his head, my brother obeyed. "I swear," he said quietly.
"Speak the words, Harold."
"I swear to be your man in England and speak up in your support. Now let me go."
Harold started to walk toward me when William called "Wait" in a harsh voice. My brother stopped and waited.
Suddenly, Duke William summoned a man forward who was sitting next to Count Alain le Rouge. "Walter, pull the linen from the table, and bid your countryman to come forward."
Harold walked slowly back to the table. I know he was dreading a wretched surprise.
Hands shaking, that other man obeyed then turned away, burying his face in the cloth. My poor brother sank to one knee. William turned triumphantly to the assembly.
"See the holy relics of the Saints of Normandy," William blared. "Earl Harold has sworn his oath on their bones. Take heed, all of you!"
Wednesday, 21 February 2018
Godwine Kingmaker: A General #Fiction #Novel by Mercedes Rochelle
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Harold Godwineson, the Last Anglo-Saxon King, owed everything to his father. Who was this Godwine, first Earl of Wessex and known as the Kingmaker? Was he an unscrupulous schemer, using King and Witan to gain power? Or was he the greatest of all Saxon Earls, protector of the English against the hated Normans? The answer depends on who you ask.
He was befriended by the Danes, raised up by Canute the Great, given an Earldom and a wife from the highest Danish ranks. He sired nine children, among them four Earls, a Queen and a future King. Along with his power came a struggle to keep his enemies at bay, and Godwine's best efforts were brought down by the misdeeds of his eldest son Swegn.
Although he became father-in-law to a reluctant Edward the Confessor, his fortunes dwindled as the Normans gained prominence at court. Driven into exile, Godwine regathered his forces and came back even stronger, only to discover that his second son Harold was destined to surpass him in renown and glory.
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Canute's housecarls—his personal fighting force—had eventually settled into their own section of London, near the king's residence, complete with barracks, brothels, and alehouses. It was to one of the latter that Ulf directed Godwine, to celebrate his good fortune.
But the Saxon had something on his mind that was more important than celebrating. With his new status came an elevation in rank that placed him almost on a level with a Jarl. Surely this must bring him closer to wedding the woman of his choice. He tried to drink the ale that Ulf shoved into his hand, but the liquid tasted bitter to him. Godwine was not really thirsty; it was time to screw up his courage now before his companion was too far gone in drink.
"Ulf," he said earnestly, putting a hand on the Jarl's arm. Jesting with an old acquaintance, it was a moment before Ulf gave Godwine his full attention.
"Eh? What is it?"
"Ulf, there is something I must ask you."
"Well, out with it lad. We have some heavy drinking to do."
"It is about your sister."
Grimly, Ulf put down his mug. "I hoped I was imagining things. Godwine, do not press me on this."
"Ulf, if I am to be an Earl, does that not make me worthy of her suit?"
The Jarl slapped his hand on the table. "Curse you, man, are you mad?"
Godwine's eyes flashed. "I have never been more serious in my life. I love her."
"Godwine, you are my friend. Else I would throttle you for your insolence. Mind your place. Earl or not, you are the son of a Thegn, and son of a Thegn you will remain. She is not for you."
Ulf did not seem to notice he had attracted an audience. But Godwine did and pushed the mug back into Ulf's hand. "I understand you all too well, Ulf. I am good enough to be your friend, but not your brother-in-law."
"Now, do not take it that way. I am very fond of you and wish you well. How does my sister take your suit?"
Frowning, Godwine did not answer.
"I thought so. Forget about her, lad. She is too proud, too haughty. Why do you think I have not married her off yet? She has not found a man good enough for her."
Thinking the issue closed, Ulf ordered more ale. He was soon so immersed in conversation with the others, that he didn't notice Godwine slip out the door.
Friday, 9 February 2018
Anything: A #Fiction Novel by Jamie Weaver
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Ripped from her mother's arms by police at the age of eleven, Max was made an orphan before she knew what was happening. Most of Max's childhood memories are of a small, dirty apartment in which she watched her mother try to put a stop to her drug addiction and then relapse right back, over and over. So when she's put in the care of her wealthy aunt and uncle in the suburbs outside New York City, she's not sure how to feel. However, Max's older cousins put her in her place rather quickly with their tricks and tormenting.
Max continues on through her days feeling all too much like a ghost until she finally makes a friend in the back of the school library. On the outside, Sasha is everything Max isn't. She's outgoing, confident, and colorful. Yet as the two spend time together, they quickly find that they are more alike than they ever would have thought. Max and Sasha keep each other strong, but when their relationship is tested by frustrating situations and horrific secrets, Max can't help but feel hopeless.
Nearly ten years later, Max finds herself lost and alone once more as she is struggling her way out of a toxic relationship, dealing with a dead-end waitress job, and facing the holidays with her mother's family. In her desperation, Max falls into the arms of a married man from which she simultaneously drowns in guilt and relishes the deliciousness of revenge. Max knows she's probably hit her lowest low and she doesn't know how to get out. Just when she thinks things can't get any crazier, Max is faced with a ghost she thought she would never see again.
The holidays leave a bloody mess on Max's aunt's dinner table, chaos and love dance through Max's every waking moment, and hope is just out of reach. Will reconnecting with Sasha be Max's downfall? Can she stay away from the married man that helps her escape reality? Or will she self-destruct and find herself at death's door for a second time? Whatever comes next, Max realizes that good or bad, anything is possible.
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Keep reading for an interview with the author:
Why did you decide to be a writer?
Well, I didn't so much as decide to be a writer as realized I just was one. I've been writing for as long as I can remember, which was about first grade. We had frequent writing projects in which we would write a little story and draw pictures to go with it. So, I guess that's where it all started.
Do you have a "day job"?
I do. I'm an office assistant. I do a lot of data entry and background checks. It's not the most thrilling job, but the people I work with are great.
What genres do you write?
Oh man, so many! Psychological horror, general fiction, LGBTQ, supernatural thriller, poetry, children's, and I've even self-published a non-fiction book about the modern practices of witchcraft. I'm kind of all over the board.
Is there a genre that you've been wanting to experiment with?
I definitely want to do more writing for children's books. I'm currently working on a collaboration with artist Alexzandir DeBaun to create a kid's adventure series which he's going to illustrate. So far all of our concepts are coming together really smoothly and we're having fun with it. And that's what brought my attention to the children's genre. It's fun and whimsical, which is unlike what I usually write. All of my work has humor and great sarcasm, but not much whimsy. I think working on this project will help me relax more and have some more fun.
What inspires you to write?
Everything. Things I've experienced, things people close to me have experienced, dreams and nightmares that I have. Sometimes I'll get inspired by a movie or a video game, but often my work is inspired by what I observe in the day to day, outside of myself as well as inside.
How often do you write?
I try to write a little every day. It helps with work because we have mandatory twenty-minute breaks in the morning and afternoon as well as an hour lunch. I try to use that time to write, but if it's a stressful workday and I need to detox with a coffee run or watching some YouTube Let's Plays, then I may not get to it that day. Sometimes, I'll go months without writing. That time is hard and I'm usually pretty hard on myself for it, but if I'm not feeling it, even after trying to make myself do it a few times, I won't force myself to do it. Then it's a task, it's an obligation, and for me, that's not what writing should be. It's not my taxes. It's my escape.
If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be and why?
Max. For sure. She's had it hard in her life, but she's so resilient. Even when she feels weak and stupid, she's still pulling through and staying true to herself. That and she had the courage to drop everything for a possibility, multiple times. I'd like to think I have that kind of courage, but I haven't been faced with those kinds of big, life-changing decisions yet.
What is the oddest thing you've ever researched for one of your books?
What types of pharmaceuticals can make you have more lucid dreams? That one was for my psychological horror novel. I found some answers but ended up also using my imagination to make up some.
What is the most difficult thing you've ever researched?
What types of anti-depressants you can try to overdose on, but won't. This one is for my next general fiction novel. Suicide and mental illness are tough subjects, but they need to be addressed more so that those who are suffering can feel heard, understood, and that they can seek out any help they may need.
What book has most influenced you?
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath - this book resonated strongly with me, it helped me feel like I wasn't crazy, that I wasn't the only person who felt similarly. That's what I want to do with writing. My goal is to create something that other people can connect with and for a moment feel not so alone in what can often be a very lonely world. That's what The Bell Jar did for me. Thanks, Sylvia.
Do you feel the support of family and friends is helpful to you as an author?
Absolutely. I am very fortunate that I have so many friends and family that are as supportive as they are. They may not always read my work, but when I'm doubting myself and my work they encourage me to keep going. I love and appreciate them all.
What is the best compliment you've ever received as an author?
"I cried." Haha, it seems horrible, I know! But when you write a scene that causes someone to feel that much emotion, you know you've done a good job.
What is your writing process?
This is probably super taboo...but I don't really have one? I just go with it when it hits me and try to get it flowing when I'm not totally feeling it. Sometimes I'll listen to music that I feel goes with the novel and have a glass of wine to help loosen the tension from the day and weaken those brain barriers to get the creativity flowing. Sometimes I'll sit at a cafe and write or just in my cubicle at work. I just kind of do it, though. It just sort of happens, like dreaming.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I'm working on three separate projects. One is my psychological horror novel that explores nightmares and the subconscious. Another is a general fiction novel that starts off with a girl finding out just how crazy life can get when a stranger climbs through her window just as she's ready to give up on everything. And the other one is the children's adventure series that I'm working on with artist Alexzandir DeBaun. Obviously, I don't have much of a social life haha.
Do you have any advice for other authors?
Never stop writing.
Friday, 8 December 2017
The Renegade Series - A Beautiful Glittering Lie, A Beckoning Hellfire, A Rebel Among Us by J.D.R. Hawkins
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About the Book
J.D.R. Hawkins’ Renegade Series describes the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of several families during the Civil War. With colorful settings and vivid descriptions, the series portrays life during a tumultuous time in American history. From the spring of 1861 until the end of the war in 1865, the characters in this family saga come to life, experiencing pain and suffering, as well as joy and jubilation. The Renegade Series is astounding in its imagery, and truly one not to miss.
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Keep reading for an interview with the author:
Why did you decide to be a writer?
I've been a writer ever since I can remember, and have written everything from songs to poetry to short stories and novels.
What genres do you write?
Primarily historical fiction, but I have also written children's books and a nonfiction book.
Do you have a daily word or page count goal?
Five hundred words is a basic goal. When I'm writing a book, though, I shoot for a page a day.
If you could be one of your characters for a day, who would it be and why?
I would be Anna. She is strong and strong-willed, and although she has experienced personal loss, she has big goals and dreams.
What is the most difficult thing you've ever researched?
Battle scenes were the toughest. It gave me nightmares! I startled awake one time after I dreamt a bullet whizzed by my head. I drew a lot of description from actual journals and diaries, so the descriptions are real.
What are your goals as an author?
I would like to be an international best seller. I would also like to write three or four more books.
What is the best writing advice you've ever received?
Show don't tell. I fall into this trap frequently, which is easy to do when writing historical fiction. It helps to have a great editor to point these issues out.
How many books do you have on your "to read" list?
I'm really behind on reading some of the best sellers. I'd like to read The Girl on the Train and A Broken Kind of Beautiful.
Do you write in first or third person, past or present tense, and why?
Mostly I write in third person, but one of my books is in first person. They are all in past tense. I thought that would be the most effective way to tell the story.
How do you come up with the titles for your books?
I don't have a problem with coming up with titles. The first book in the Renegade Series, A Beautiful Glittering Lie, was taken from a quote a Confederate soldier wrote in regard to the Civil War, stating that it was "all a glittering lie."
Have you ever gotten an idea for a story from something really bizarre?
I wrote a book about my great aunt and uncle, who ran a hotel in my hometown, Sioux City, during the Depression. Supposedly, there was gangster activity going on there, and money was hidden behind the wallpaper!
What inspired your current work?
Seeing the Gettysburg battlefield was awe inspiring, because I had never seen a Civil War battlefield before. It inspired me to write the first book, which turned into a series.
What was the hardest part about writing your latest book?
It was nonfiction, which I hadn't done before on that large of a scale. There was so much research involved. It was exhausting!
Do you have any advice for other authors?
Write what you love and feel passionate about, and never give up!
Do you have anything specific you'd like to say to your readers?
I decided to write from the Southern perspective because it has nearly become lost to history. Slavery was an issue but it wasn't the cause of the Civil War. I didn't understand that because I grew up in Iowa and wasn't told about the Southern side. So I researched it myself and discovered the truth.
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