Shannon here: Donna Schlachter shares insight into her latest Historical Romance and being an author, plus a romantic excerpt and a chance to win an e-book copy of Time Will Tell – Book 2 of “Christmas Under Main Street” series. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter. Deadline: Dec 9th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Donna:
- What is the theme or message of your book?
Thanks for having me here today. Time Will Tell is one of those timeless tales of a heroine’s struggle to succeed in a time when women didn’t usually own a business in their own right. The theme is that God makes everything we go through beautiful—in His time.
- What is your favorite genre of books to read?
I absolutely love reading Christian historical romance, particularly those set in the 19th Century. I guess that makes sense since it’s also what I write. I also love reading cozy mysteries, especially anything that remotely resembles Agatha Christie-like stories.
- Who are some of your favorite authors?
As I said, Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mary Davis, RL Ashly, Davalynn Spencer, and Toni Shiloh.
- If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
Never give up. If people hate your stuff and can give you specifics to work on, then do that. But don’t let the story die within in.
- Some people believe that being a published author is glamorous, is that true?
If you define glamorous as having more stories than time to write, or always second-guessing whether your last book was any good at all, or blushing when a reader writes a review and you wonder if they are talking about your book because it’s wonderful, then sure, being published is glamorous.
If, however, you define it as providing a lavish lifestyle and joining the Vacation-of-the-Month club, not so much. But I wouldn’t trade it for any other job.
Excerpt from Time Will Tell by Donna Schlachter:
Sadie sank onto the ancient leather chair behind her father’s workbench. Correction. Her workbench, now. She huffed, her breath raising the errant strands of hair at the center of her forehead. Her trembling hand gripped the official-looking envelope neatly addressed to her father. Not her. Although he died a month ago, still his loss created an ache in her throat.
Bitter tears burned at the back of her eyes, blurring her vision, making the words dance. All around her, reminders of him. That ratty old sweater, holes in the elbows and all the buttons long gone, hanging on the coat rack inside the door. His cold pipe in the ashtray in front of her, a faint whiff of his favorite tobacco hanging on. At her elbow, the sign she’d placed on the front door alerting customers to a death in the family. She must open the shop, generate income, and save her father’s—correction—her business and livelihood.
She set her reticule on the table and sat back in the chair. Surely no good news ever arrived in a linen wrapper from a law firm. Sadie picked up a jeweler’s file, its length and span in stark contrast to the task she now assigned it. Slipping the pointed tip beneath the seal on the rear of the envelope, she eased the brittle red wax from the stark white.
Inside, a single sheet of paper. She inhaled, then breathed out through her nose.
Stop wasting time. Read it.
Question for Readers: What other kinds of non-traditional businesses might a woman own in 1889?
About Donna: A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter.
She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching writers at any stage of their manuscript.
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About the book – Time Will Tell:
Sadie Bauer inherits her father’s watch and clock repair shop in the Mall beneath Main Street, Pueblo. However, she soon learns that Fate conspires against her operating this business and keeping her father’s memory alive.
Will O’Reilly, recently dismissed for fighting, longs to help this beautiful damsel in distress, but she’s about as prickly as a porcupine. He’d like their relationship to be more than employer-employee, but if she learns of their connection through their ex-fiances, she might not want to have anything to do with him.
Can Sadie overcome her mistrust of men in general, and of a certain suave salesman in particular? Can Will get past his former betrothed’s infidelity? And can both learn to trust the God who makes all things beautiful in His time?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Donna’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Come back Dec 1st for June Foster!
laundry
I have a winner! Jennifer Hibdon won the drawing. I appreciate Donna for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.