Shannon here: Michelle Griep shares her inspiration for writing her latest Regency Romance, Brentwood’s Ward. Comment or answer the question at the end of any post dated Jan 26 – 30 to enter the drawing for a copy. Deadline: Feb 7th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Michelle:
Deeper Than Skin by Michelle Griep
A gun toting lawman conjures up all kinds of images, most not very attractive—especially in the context of early nineteenth century London. Roaming the streets in shabby clothing. Smelling of gunpowder and sweat. Sporting a raggedy haircut and scruffy beard. Who thinks that kind of hero is attractive?
Me. I may be a freak, but that’s the hero I couldn’t get out of my mind.
What attracted me to just such a man was an old newspaper advertisement put out by Henry Fielding, the founder of the Bow Street Runners. It encouraged the public to send a note to Bow Street as soon as any serious crime occurred so that “a set of brave fellows could immediately be dispatched in pursuit of the villains.”
I wondered about those “brave fellows” and what kind of villains they might come up against, and thus was born Nicholas Brentwood. He’s a little rough around the edges, but inside his heart is fiercely soft. What kind of heroine wouldn’t fall for a man like that?
The kind that only looks at the outside—and so was born Emily Payne. She’s the girl next door that everyone hates because she’s a self-centered diva. Or is she? I’ve always been fascinated by people who appear to be one way, but when you get to know them, you discover they’re not what you thought they were.
Real life example? My husband. We met in high school—while I was dating another boy. Friendly to the point of being annoying, I always said hi to him in the hallways. Rarely did he answer . . . until after high school, when I’d broken up with my boyfriend. This quiet fellow turned into quite the talker once I got to know him, to the point of asking me to marry him.
And so is the case for Nicholas and Emily. Forced to spend time together, they discover that the other is nothing like what they imagined. And that’s a takeaway lesson for all of us—don’t judge a person by his cover.
About Michelle: Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones. Follow her adventures at: http://michellegriep.com, http://writerofftheleash.blogspot.com/
And all the other usual haunts: https://www.facebook.com/michellegriep, https://twitter.com/MichelleGriep, https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=47743174&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile, http://www.pinterest.com/mmgriep/, https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2754194.Michelle_Griep, and Instagram: michellegriep.
About the book – Brentwood‘s Ward: He’s there to protect her. She steals his heart . . .
Place an unpolished lawman named Nicholas Brentwood as guardian over a spoiled, pompous beauty named Emily Payne and what do you get? More trouble than Brentwood bargains for. She is determined to find a husband this season. He just wants the large fee her father will pay him to help his ailing sister. After a series of dire mishaps, both their desires are thwarted, but each discovers that no matter what, God is in charge.
Question: Were you shy or outgoing in high school? What about now?
Come back Jan 30th for Michelle’s excerpt and recipe for romance!
I was very shy in school and still am
I have never met a stranger! lol I would love to win a copy of Brentwood’s Ward! Love the cover!
I was never shy unless it was when I was a baby. Would like to win a copy of this book by Michelle. Thanks for the chance. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
I will try again. The submit didn’t load but then it said it was a duplicate. Well it is not showing. I was never shy that I know of. Not since I can remember anyway. I have always liked to talk. Please put my name in for a chance to win this book. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
I was shy until I got to know someone. And it also depended on the situation.
I was shy in high school, still am for the most part. I’m sure I come off as aloof sometimes, but once you get to know me I am a great friend. Just don’t put me in front of a crowd.
Shy or outgoing??? LOL … well, I doubt the word “shy” could EVER be applied to me, so let’s just say it’s a definite YES on “outgoing,” okay? And to prove it, I was voted “Friendliest Freshman,” in high school, as well as “Friendliest Sophomore, Junior, and Senior. 🙂
I’ve heard such WONDERFUL things about Michelle’s work that I’ve been wanting to read one of her books, so thanks for the giveaway!
Hugs,
Julie
Not a shy bone in my body, ever!
Totally shy, quiet I didn’t like to be the one everyone was looking at… I was just so happy there were a few in class that loved being outgoing 🙂
I was painfully shy until I went to cosmetology school at 18. I soon realized it was much more uncomfortable to cut someone’s hair for 30 minutes and not say a word than it was to make conversation. I only was a hairdresser for 10 years, but it brought me out of my shell. I’m still shy if I’m out of my element – in a large crowd where I don’t know anyone. But if I’m in my element, I’m fine – such as at church or a writing conference. Booksignings are difficult for me. I have to make myself approach people I don’t know. I like meeting people, but I hate self promotion. And when you write books, you have to tell people about them.
I can’t really say. I was homeschooled through high school so I didn’t really have an opportunity to be shy or otherwise! LOL! I did many local activities in church and 4-h and I would say that I can be shy, but I’ve gotten REALLY good at faking outgoing! 😉
Blessings, Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)
Shannon, I didn’t know that you and Michele were … the same! So good to “see” you; I always look forward to seeing your writing for HS!
I was terribly shy all through school. When I work someplace and feel comfortable, I am more outgoing…or I was when within my element in construction. Having married nearly 15 years ago to a very boisterous family, also having to change careers, and becoming a caregiver, has brought all that back with painful effects! Going to a client’s home for the first time is SO challenging. My regular client now is a lady I have been with on and off for nearly 6 years, so we are like family. But even after 15 years, it is challenging to be Dad’s wife (adult daughters) but easier with the grandchildren. Only the Lord can bring confidence…
Enter me for this awesome giveaway!!
Conway, SC.
I think one of the reasons I love to read so much is because I was and still am shy. While reading a book I don’t have to talk to someone and have attention drawn to me. I hate that. In a book can escape into another world. Kids in high school would say I though I was better than them becuase I didn’t talk to most of them but I was just shy.
I was very outgoing in high school….wanted to be in everything! Not so much of a doer now, but still enjoy people!
Outgoing ~ I enjoy people, and being alone. Would love to win a copy! Enjoying these posts.