Interview with Regency Romance Author Danielle Thorne

Danielle Thorne writes from south of Atlanta, Georgia. She is the author of sweet romantic adventure books, both historical and contemporary. She also has a new series of Young Adult paranormal books. Danielle has been married for twenty-five years, is the mother of four sons, one daughter-in-law, and a rebellious Bombay kitty. Her popular blog, The Balanced Writer, focuses on life and the pursuit of peace and happiness.

Welcome back to my blog, Danielle. Please tell us about Proper Attire.

A "proper" West Indies romance, Proper Attire is a quirky Regency meets the Caribbean story about having the courage to stand up for yourself even in the face of danger and the unknown. In this novel, Julia Scott flees England and a cruel stepmother to determine if the West Indies is the paradise of her dreams. Attacked by pirates and desired by island natives, the only person she can trust is John Smith -- if that's her rescuer's true name. Reaching her uncle's station in English Harbor, Julia must find a way to face her feelings and deal with her traitorous family, a dashing new suitor, and the guardian angel, John Smith, who has no qualms sporting counterfeit names and less than what is proper attire.

This sounds so intriguing. Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

I had started this story as a one page exercise years ago and was working on other projects when one day it caught my eye. The storyteller in my head whispered, "What would happen if Jane Austen crossed paths with Jack Sparrow?" and the idea sparked the storyline to come to life. I had to get it down.

What a unique idea! I love it. What kind of research did you do for this book?

Because I write in the Regency and Age of Sail periods, the majority of my research was on the island of Antigua. This is one of the islands I haven't visited in my travels, so I'm unfamiliar with it. I also had to pull out my Age of Sail facts and vocabulary books to freshen up my memory of ships and sail tactics as well as just fun words.

You have written regency romance, modern romance, Young Adult paranormal, and poetry. All of your stories are clean and for all ages. Which genre is your favorite and why?

Gosh, that's hard to choose because I write what I love, but I guess I'd have to say contemporary romance is my favorite. Because it is modern, I'm more comfortable with dialogue and description. It really gives me more opportunity to dig deeper into character and plot.

That makes sense to me. Where can my readers find you online?

I'm easy to catch on Facebook and Twitter, and truth be told, I'm a great big Pinterest nerd. I also invite everyone to follow my blog!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.thorne.184

Tweeting daily at: https://twitter.com/DanielleThorne

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/danielle_thorne/

Blog: http://www.thebalancedwriter.blogspot.com/

Website: www.daniellethorne.com

Thank you, Danielle, for this fun interview. I hope everyone checks out your new story.

Clean Romances, Cozy Mysteries, and Fantasy Novels

Five Different Genre and Ten Books to Check Out
Each Book has raving reviews!

FANTASY / ROMANCE

E-book: The Treasure of Isain

Synopsis: Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him, even die for him. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by angry giants, soul-stealing elves, bewitched dragons, a vengeful water-witch, battling foes, and a mysterious kingdom. Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Garin must decide what the most important things are in his life. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom? And will Elani find true love?

Sample Chapter: http://serenaclarke.wordpress.com/sample-chapters

E-book: The Alliance of Isain

Synopsis: War is coming and all the kingdoms must choose a side. Isian decides to make an alliance with their long time enemies in order to defeat a common enemy. So Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance. Princess Gabrielle and her new husband, Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war. With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trails or tear them apart? Enjoy the fantasy, danger, mystery, and romance!

Sample Chapter: http://serenaclarke.wordpress.com/sample-chapters

HISTORICAL / ROMANCE

Book: Melinda and the Wild West

Award: Semi-Finalist for Reviewers Choice Award

Synopsis: Melinda Gamble wants to make a difference in the world. Without hesitation, she accepts a job as a schoolteacher in the small town of Paris, Idaho. She has many challenges such as trying to help a rebellious student, coming face-to-face with a notorious bank robber, a vicious grizzly bear, and finding herself in a terrible blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life. But it’s a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared—love.

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/melinda.html

E-book: The Rebels of Cordovia

Synopsis: Long after the legendary Robin Hood, a group of men and women find themselves fighting for the same cause. Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, doesn’t realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin’s Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be?

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/rebels.html

COZY MYSTERY / ROMANCE

E-book: The Bali Mystery: Amelia Moore Detective Series

Synopsis: Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, traces missing persons, checks people’s backgrounds, and protects them. With the help of Rick Bonito, a cunning and crafty man, her business is flourishing. When Mrs. Brody hires Amelia and Rick to find her missing brother, they find themselves in Bali, Indonesia. They are mystified why her brother quit his job, put his home up for sale, and ran off to this mysterious and exotic island without telling a soul.

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/bali.html

E-book: The Shamrock Case: Amelia Moore Detective Series

Synopsis: Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. With the help of Rick Bonito, her new partner, her business is flourishing. When Amelia is hired to search for her client's grandparents, the case takes them to Ireland. Kate must learn about her heritage. Who are her grandparents and could they still be alive after all these years? Why did her parents leave Ireland suddenly and move to America? Is there more to this case than meets the eye?

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/shamrock.html

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE

E-Book: Anasazi Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

Synopsis: When a devastating flood takes out several homes in a small town, residents are shocked by the news of also a possible poison spill that kills many of the fish and neighbor's pets. Julia, the town's newest reporter, begins her investigation but realizes the story is much bigger and more dangerous than she thought! Julia and her husband find themselves on the run trying to save their lives while finishing the story of a lifetime! She never realized that being a reporter could be so dangerous. With artifacts, dead fish, a devastating flood, and miscreants, John and Julia have their hands full.

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/anasazi.html

E-Book: Mayan Intrigue: The Adventures of John and Julia Evans

Synopsis: The discovery of a priceless artifact puts Julia's life in great danger! While on assignment for the newspaper, John and Julia Evans try to enjoy a romantic vacation among the Mayan ruins. When Julia sees a couple suspicious men exchanging an item, she quickly turns and leaves but it is too late. The men have seen her. Before John and Julia realize what is going on, they are both in danger and find themselves running for their lives through the jungles of the Yucatan.

Sample Chapter: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com/mayan.html

NON-FICTION

E-Book: Writing Your Family Legacy

Synopsis: Writing Your Family Legacy: It’s important to teach our children their heritage. Who are your ancestors? What were their traditions? Each of us has a story from our ancestors or even our own story to tell. If these stories are unwritten, then how are your children going to know of their parentage? It’s up to us to write these experiences down. Make your ancestors come alive on paper. Make your family legacy something your children will be proud of.

E-Book: Reflections of the Heart

Synopsis: Reflections of the Heart has 13 chapters of inspirational writings such as: The secret of Happiness, Laughter is the Best Medicine, Parenthood – A Great Responsibility, Equal Partners in Marriage, Developing Your Spirituality, and Music Soothes the Soul.

Interview with Children’s Author Ali Maier

Ali lives in a Cleveland suburb with her husband and two children. As an avid volunteer, hands on mom and former kindergarten aide, Ali has spent years working with children. Ali chose to write the Mom Made Us Write This series to encourage young readers to do something she loves – to read! Ali wanted to write a book series that would allow readers to laugh and encourage them to write and share their own stories.

Welcome to my blog, Ali. Please tell us about your children’s book: Mom Made Us Write This In The Summer.

A sister and brother, forced to write in the summer, and share ONE journal? Ugh. This is exactly what happens to 10-year-old twins Maggie and Max Pruitt. When Mom comes up with a plan for them to keep a summer journal, Maggie and Max can’t believe it. Worse yet, they have to share! Through their writing, Maggie and Max find out they have very different (and hilarious) views about growing up, family and life - a conclusion they only discovered because, as Max and Maggie say, “Mom Made Us Write This.”

Mom Made Us Write This In The Summer is a journal-style book for children that capture the essence of sibling relationships. Anyone with a brother or sister will identify with the fun and struggles that Max and Maggie experience this summer! From a trip to the zoo to the annual check-up at the docs – read all about the life adventures of Maggie & Max.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book? My book’s main characters are 10-year-old siblings, Maggie and Max Pruitt. My children (Maddie and Matt J) gave me the inspiration for the characters. I originally started to write “Maggie and Max” stories to encourage them to see each other’s point of view when they disagreed (That’s my nice way of saying they were fighting with each other!!). I was fascinated watching my kids grow up, the best of friends one minute, then fighting and driving each other crazy the next!  They had same kind of he-said, she-said disagreements that I had with my sibling growing up. After publishing Mom Made Us Write This In The Summer, I’ve found that everyone seems to identify with the uniqueness of sibling relationships.

What age will enjoy this book the most?

The book is targeted at ages 8-12, but younger children, parents and teachers all enjoy it. The kids love it because it makes them laugh, parents love it because it’s safe and family friendly, and teachers love it because it encourages journaling.

I have actually been surprised by how many adults have told me they loved the book. So many people relate Maggie and Max to their own childhood experiences.

Between the 10-year-old twins, Maggie and Max Pruitt, who is your favorite character in this story and what do you love about him or her?

I love them both – remember they are loosely based on my own kids and family!! The characters are so intertwined. They are from a close and loving family that has fun and they laugh together, but they also tease, joke and argue sometimes. The characters make each other better – and one couldn’t exist without the other!  

What I love about Maggie – is her creativity and her “I don’t care what anyone else thinks” attitude.  She’s strong and free spirited, and never goes along with the crowd. She’s tough about almost everything, except babies and doctors.

What I love about Max – His sense of humor makes Max stand out from the crowd. Max finds humor in just about every situation – especially when it involves his sister! Plus, Max can create contraptions & catapults out of pretty much anything he finds, so he is never bored! Who knew a paperclip and a rubber band could be so much fun?

Your book sounds like a fun read. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget. I love this question because my readers and I get to know the real you.

OK, I will tell you my big secret… I love to write, but I am completely afraid of sharing my writing with other people. Writing a book was a lot of fun for me. Sharing that book with thousands of people to read and share and judge was terrifying! I am totally self-conscious about sharing my writing with anyone.

There were two things that made me get past that fear –

1. I love, love, love the Harry Potter book series. I love the story, but I also love the memories those books created for my family. We read all of the books as a family as our kids grew up – hours and hours and hours and hours of reading out loud and listening to the books on tape. As a big fan of JK Rowling, I would always read about her and the books in the news.

One day, I read an article about JK Rowling’s first attempt at getting the Sorcerer’s Stone (the Philosopher’s Stone in England) published. She was turned down by publisher after publisher. I am so thankful that she didn’t give up. That she didn’t let fear and self-doubt stop her from getting that first book published.

That was an inspiration to me. I still get nervous when people read my writing, but I don’t let it stop me anymore.

2. I have the best, most supportive and encouraging family and friends around. My husband has so much faith in me, that it absolutely stuns me sometimes.  When I was growing up, my parents always told me to choose friends that challenge you to become a better person, not ones who bring you down. And that is so very true. The support and encouragement of my family and friends gave me the confidence to push through my fears.

If those things hadn’t happened, Maggie and Max’s adventures would have stayed in a secret notebook next to my bed.

Thank you so much for this great interview, Ali. I hope my followers will check out your book about the Pruitt family.

The series also includes Mom Made Us Write This: Write Your Own Shared Journal and Mom Made Us Write This Family Quiz Book.

Mom Made Us Write This In The Summer is available for sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Interview with Historical Romance Author Diane Dean White

Diane started her writing at an early age, but it wasn’t until her husband’s work took them to a small southern town that she wrote her first column, “Yankee Viewpoint’s” for a local newspaper. She was also a columnist for a weekly magazine for four years. Diane is the author of over three-hundred short stories. Her novels include On a Summer Night Stories from a Porch Swing, Texting Mr. Right, and her Christmas novella Winter Wonderland. Diane and her hubby, Stephen, have been married for forty-two years, and are the parents of three grown children and three grand-gals.

Welcome to my blog, Diane. I really love your book cover. Please tell us about this Christmas story.

Winter Wonderland is what my home state of Michigan is called. I’ve wanted to capture a story about Detroit in the early years, when the well-known J. L. Hudson Department Store was so popular. It was fun to research, as I wasn’t in Detroit in 1951, but in the sixties and early seventies I’d go with my mother, and then Steve, and we made some trips to shop at the huge department store. The malls started up in the late 60’s and in 1998 the well-known store was demolished. After WWII people came from all over to get factory jobs in Detroit, and my story follows one family from Florida with their twenty-year old daughter Ruth. She has had secretarial experience and secures a job in Hudson’s Department Store. A stranger she meets on her first day going for an interview becomes someone very special. Faith is a big part of my writing, and I share about a special outreach in this book, which is part of my husband’s grandparent’s ministry near Detroit.

Where did you get your inspiration for this book and do you include real life situations?

This story is fiction, however the information and research is true about Detroit. Many of my short-stories are true, but my novellas and novels are mostly fiction. Many things about them may stem from something in the past. Not necessarily mine, but having lived in a certain area. For instance, On a Summer Night starts out in the mid 60’s with two girls who go to Florida for their graduation gift; I’d gone to college in Florida, and knew about my subject. The area and the characters are fiction. I stay away from real people and don’t pattern anyone after anybody I know. I use fictional towns, but mention larger cities in the state.

What kind of research did you have to do?

A lot about J. L. Hudson’s…the time period, 1951 and what songs were popular; both in country music and top hits. Research about Ford Motor Company and when Borden’s changed from milk wagons to trucks! All kinds of little things had to be checked out to make sure information is accurate.

Please tell us about the main character in this story and what you love about him or her.

I used the name Ruth in memory of a sweet older woman who became very close to me. And is probably the model of what many of us wish our lives to be as Christian women.

I enjoyed creating Ruth in my book; her character is very kind and loving toward her family, and younger siblings. She works hard at her profession in 1951, as a secretary in a large city department store. Not being used to the ways of a city she enters J. L. Hudson’s using a revolving door and meets Mr. Green Eyes, who happens to share that section at the same time. Ruth is from a small town in Florida and her father comes to seek employment with Ford Motor Company.

Thanks, Diane, for this wonderful interview. Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget.

Because I have a back injury I don’t go out a lot. That’s been hard because I’ve always been active, but I also believe the Lord gave me this opportunity to develop my craft and write. I turn to Him daily and in all areas, and believe He leads me in my writing as well as my entire life. I don’t drink coffee or soda pop, but I am a chocoholic. J We have three grown children. Two are over seas, our son is in the mission field in Russia and our daughter and hubby, along with three grand-gals, are in China for two more years on a work assignment. Our oldest son is in South Carolina and still too far away. We are truly empty nesters and look forward to their visits each year.

Thank you, Linda, for your kindness and taking the time to chat.

You’re welcome, Diane. I hope all my followers will check out your books, especially this Christmas story.

Interview with Regency Romance Author Jeanna Ellsworth

Jeanna has written 6 books, 5 of which are Jane Austen inspired romances, and 1 original Regency romance. She is currently taking a short break from writing so she can get caught up on all the books that are on her to-be-read list. She doesn’t think that this is even possible. TBR lists are never ending. However, she is also confident that this hiatus will not last long. She enjoys going out to lunch with her friends, mommy-daughter dates, running and playing volleyball.

Welcome back to my blog, Jeanna. On the back cover of this novel, it says: If Mr. Darcy had met Elizabeth Bennet in his beloved Derbyshire, would he have recognized her as the love of his life instead of dismissing her as someone “not handsome enough to tempt” him? That is a very interesting concept. Please tell us about your new book.

One of the things that always made me curious about Austen’s Elizabeth Bennet was that she was so confident and self-assured. I found myself asking what makes a woman strong? I then thought of Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, Oprah etc. and decided that these women had to overcome huge obstacles and stand strong in the face of opposition. I decided that Elizabeth Bennet must have had to overcome major life trials to be the wonderful heroine that we love. To Refine Like Silver is an alternative path where Darcy meets his newest neighbor, Elizabeth’s Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, in Derbyshire before that dreadful Meryton Assembly where he says those awful words. He is immediately drawn to Elizabeth’s strength and confidence, a confidence she earned by enduring trials. Georgiana is suffering significantly with depression and Darcy turns to Elizabeth for help with Georgiana. From this point on, Darcy and Georgiana slowly begin to turn toward God for their strength, instead of themselves. In so doing, they evolve, and learn a valuable lesson; our trials do not define us, rather they refine us.

You love to write alternative paths for Pride and Prejudice. What intrigues you most about writing these stories?

I enjoy the beauty of seeing two imperfect people, who are perfectly matched for each other, self-correct their weaknesses and eventually become worthy of the love and respect from the other. I suppose I’m a sucker for reformation. Darcy and Elizabeth have to be the most famous literary characters written about in the last 202 years. I have read so many books and seen them fall in love so many times that I fear there can be no greater ending to a story than their eventual Happily Ever After. I also love that in order for these two characters to deserve each other, and for anyone to find a Darcy or an Elizabeth, one has to be a Darcy or an Elizabeth. My Darcy is out there and in order to find him and recognize him as my soul mate, I need to behave like an Elizabeth. We all have a heroine lurking inside us and we just have to polish our flaws and remove our impurities until we shine. I suppose writing about Darcy and Elizabeth gives me hope that my Mr. Darcy is out there looking for my fine eyes and impertinence (or whatever unique qualities I have!) that set me apart from every other 38-year-old, single mother of three.

You have now finished 6 books in this genre but this one is your favorite. Why?

Great question! For so many reasons! For one, it was really fun to use a biblical scripture as a plot foundation. I use Malachi 3:3, God “shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver”, and the blacksmith metaphor that it implies to carry my plot. The idea is that our trials can be blessings from God and often we do not see how He is refining us into better people. The main reason I love this book the most is because I used to suffer horrendously with major depression. I lived in that dark abyss for ten years. But those years were not wasted. I never saw it at the time, but I was in the refiner’s fire and was being buffed and polished into the shining woman I am today. This, in a way, is my story. I felt like because I survived those ten years, I had an obligation to help those who struggle with depression. I felt obligated to help share what I learned.

You suffered a great deal with major depression but have been depression free for over 5 years now… ever since you began writing. This is so interesting. Please tell us why you think your depression has gone away.

There are so many ingredients to the magic recipe. Before I proceed, I do have to say that my recipe may not be what works for you. I recently took up long distance running. I had an epiphany while running and pondering my current problems. It was, “Keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep heading in the right direction and you will get home.” Some of the things that worked for me was forgiving those who wronged me, learning to be grateful for the tiniest blessings, scripture reading, building close personal relationships with family and friends, getting out of unhealthy environments, exercising, finding fulfilling employment, the right cocktail of medication (and not giving up when it wasn’t quite right), and lastly, finding a way to do something hard and then rejoicing in my personal success. That last one was my writing. There are studies done that prove that using creativity is a great depression diverter. My writing has most definitely been my Xanax. I literally have not had one single day of depression since I started writing. Writing romance novels about true love and companionship only uplifts oneself. It makes you believe in the goodness the world has around you. You begin to see kindness and tenderness at every turn. That is a great way to fight off depression.

What a wonderful answer to depression! Where can my readers find you online?

Facebook: www.facebook/jeanna.ellsworth.com

Twitter: @ellsworthjeanna

My website, blog, and information about my books are located at www.HeyLadyPublications.com

Thank you so much Linda for hosting me and interviewing me about To Refine Like Silver. It really is my favorite book and have had such a great response from the readers so far. It impresses me that even the agnostics have enjoyed the messages. I think that is because forgiveness and gratitude and not religious topics, they are what make good people into better people. I hope you all get a chance to read it, or at least pass it on to someone who might be struggling with depression. Thanks again, happy reading! Good luck on the giveaway!

Thanks, Jeanna, for this wonderful interview about you and your book.