Shannon here: Elaine Marie Cooper shares how she met her husband and how a shared favorite character brought them together. Heads up, her latest Historical Romance, Scarred Vessels is one of my editing babies published by Scrivenings Press. Elaine earned the nickname, Trooper Cooper as she plunged into the revisions after surgery, with a wildfire lurking. Comment or answer the question in any post dated Oct 20th – 23rd to enter the drawing for a copy. Deadline: Oct 31st, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Elaine:
Boo Brought us Together by Elaine Marie Cooper
Some couples meet on a blind date. Others in an embarrassing, fall-on-your-face type of moment. My husband Steve and I were brought together by Boo Radley.
We were at a singles get-together many years ago (I will not elaborate on the number of years) and, according to Steve, he’d been trying to find an opening in the conversation to start chatting with me. Once he heard my roommate and I discussing her cat named “Boo,” he seized the opportunity.
“Boo Radley?”
I searched the faces nearby to find the source of the voice. When I saw the impish grin on my future husband’s visage, I knew I’d found a literary soul mate.
The character of Boo Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird was a favorite of mine and rarely had I heard anyone speak the name. Between the silly smile on Steve Cooper’s face and the fact that he knew Boo, well, the rest is history.
What is it about Boo Radley that generates such feelings in me? Is it because he was so alone and different? People were afraid of him, then he turned out to be a hero? I think there are many factors that place him in a permanent position of affection in my heart. Regardless of the reasons, I know one thing: I will always love the character of Boo and I believe he is beloved by many for the tender and misunderstood character that he was.
I also know Harper Lee was not only a creative writer in her successful novel of To Kill a Mockingbird, she was a brave and sensitive one. She chose an odd and unusual character on the fringes of society to play a small but pivotal role in her story. I commend Miss Lee her courage. In doing so, she challenged not just racial prejudice in her brilliant book, but also the fears and insensitivities so prevalent in our hearts when someone is “different.”
About Elaine:
Elaine Marie Cooper describes herself as an author who is a complete history geek. She focuses on creating historical fiction set in the American Revolution. She loves to discover little-known events that occurred in that war and create characters who are caught up in the conflict.
Her latest release is Scarred Vessels which focuses on the black soldiers in the American Revolution. The setting for most of the action takes place in Rhode Island.
She has also penned Saratoga Letters (Finalist for Selah Award in Historical Romance), Fields of the Fatherless (Winner of the Selah Award for young adult fiction), and Bethany’s Calendar (Selah Winner for Best Memoir). Love’s Kindling is Finalist in 2020’s Selah Award for Historical Romance. This book as well as the next 2 books in the Dawn of America series will re-release with Scrivenings Press in 2021.
Elaine and Steve have two grown sons and five grandchildren. Their only daughter, Bethany, died from a brain tumor in 2003.
Learn more & connect:
Elaine’s Facebook Elaine’s Facebook Author Page Elaine’s Website Elaine’s Twitter
About the book – Scarred Vessels: In 1778 Rhode Island, the American Revolution rallies the Patriots to fight for freedom. But the slavery of black men and women from Africa, bartered for rum, is a travesty that many in America cannot ignore. The seeds of abolition are planted even as the laws allowing slavery in the north still exist.
Lydia Saunders, the daughter of a slave ship owner, grew up with the horror of slavery. It became more of a nightmare when, at a young age, she is confronted with the truth about her father’s occupation. She is burdened with the guilt of her family’s sin, as she struggles to make a difference in whatever way she can. When she loses her husband in the battle for freedom from England, she makes a difficult decision that will change her life forever.
Sergeant Micah Hughes is too dedicated to serving the fledgling country of America to consider falling in love. When he carries the tragic news to Lydia Saunders about her husband’s death, he is appalled by his attraction to the young widow. Micah wrestles with his feelings for Lydia while he tries to focus on helping the cause of freedom. He trains a group of former slaves to become capable soldiers on the battlefield.
Tensions both on the battlefield and on the home front bring hardship and turmoil that threaten to endanger them all. When Lydia and Micah are faced with saving the life of a black infant in danger, can they survive this turning point in their lives?
Can’t wait for the drawing or worried you won’t win? Get your copy now!
Question for my readers: What one character in all the books you have read would grab your attention if you heard someone say their name?
Come back Oct 23rd for part 2 with Elaine!
Scarred Vessels is such a great book!
Thanks so much, Linda!
It’s impossible not to get drawn in to Elaine’s stories. Scarred Vessels is no different. I’m delighted it is finally available for everyone to enjoy.
I’d have to say a character name I’d recognize is Canyon Metcalfe, from Ronie Kendig’s Wolfsbane (Discarded Heroes 3). He’s a fan favorite. 😀
And what a great name—Canyon! That’s an awesome pick! Thanks for sharing and commenting!
Pollyanna 🙂
Yes!! Who can forget her positive attitude and the impact she had on the town? Great choice!
If I heard the character name, Nancy Drew, we’d be friends for life. Basically anyone who wants to talk books.
I love the amount of research you put in for your books. How do you decide what topics to research? Do you have an idea for a story first then research, or does the research lead to an idea?
Nancy Drew!! How many nights did I spend with my flashlight underneath the covers at night so I could read a few more pages and not get caught by Mom!! 🙂 Love her! Thank you for the comment and question about research. Sometimes I just happen upon unusual events during the American Revolution and and the proverbial light bulb comes on in my head, and I think, “I never knew about that.” Then I peruse the internet and books until the idea forms for characters and a plot. 🙂 For Scarred Vessels, the idea to feature the black soldiers in the American Revolution came from my son who is a Commander in the USN. As I researched, I learned things about slavery in the northern colonies that surprised and deeply saddened me. Growing up in MA, I had no idea how closely the place I called home, was a part of the slave trade. Very disturbing. Rose, thanks so much for your comment!
A character I remember from childhood would probably grab my attention such as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Nancy Drew, or any of Charles Schulz’ comic strip characters such as Snoopy. Your new release sounds amazing!
I would pick Scout from To Kill A Mockingbird.