Friday, October 12, 2012

Meet the Authors of Colonial Courtships

 
Today I have the privilege of welcoming the three talented authors who participated with me in the writing of the Colonial Courtships novella collection. The setting is mid-18th century Glassenbury, Connecticut.

I asked them to come by so we tell you more about Colonial Courtships and you can get to know each of them better. Since my novella is first in the anthology, I'll start first and then Amber, Laurie Alice, and Lisa will join in to share about their stories.






Please tell us a little bit about your novella in the Colonial Courtships collection.
Carving a Future by
Carla Olson Gade

Nathaniel Ingersoll and
Constance Starling
Carla –  Carving a Future features ship's  figurehead carver Nathaniel Ingersoll who has apprenticed for many years under his Uncle Phineas and hopes to become a master ship carver in his own right. Constance Starling was spirited away from England to the Connecticut coast as an indentured servant, arriving too ill for anyone to accept her. When Nathaniel takes pity on her, he purchases her contract and may jeopardized the future he has worked so hard to achieve for the welfare of a weakly servant. 





Trading Hearts by
Amber Stockton

Jonathon Ingersoll and
Clara Marie Preston

Amber – In Trading Hearts, Jonathan Ingersoll is a successful merchant trader along the Great (Connecticut) River. When flooding forces him to take sanctuary in an unfamiliar inn along his route, he meets the innkeeper’s daughter, Clara Marie Preston. Immediately attracted to her shy, yet caring spirit and quiet faith, Jonathan makes a point to return. But animosity from her brother gives him pause. Learning the source of the resentment only spurs Jonathan to try that much harder to prove his worth. Doubts are cast upon his character, and his trade sales begin to decrease. When he tracks down the pirates who attacked Clara’s brother and sees justice served, things take a turn for the better. Finally, he can accept the full blessing for a union of marriage and make plans once more for the future.
 
Over a Barrel by
Laurie Alice Eakes
Micah Ingersoll and
Sarah Carter

Laurie Alice – Over a Barrel – After being wounded, while fighting alongside the British on the frontier, Micah Ingersoll figures his future lies in making the town bakehouse a success. He doesn’t expect to find a woman willing to marry a partially lame man. He especially doesn’t expect to meet her in his storeroom covered in flour after hiding her daughter in an emptied barrel. Sarah Carter can’t be up to any good. At best she’s a run-away servant. At worst? She is running from a man who wants to force her, a widow heiress, into marriage, but if Micah won’t help her, Sarah must take her daughter and keep running from danger. Micah finds her shelter and work with the intent to keep an eye on her until he discovers the truth of her story. But lovely and lively Sarah at close hand means losing his heart to her regardless of her past.

Impressed by Love by
Lisa Karon Richardson

Dr. Alden Ingersoll and
Phoebe Carlisle


Lisa  – Impressed by Love – Following her parents’ deaths, Phoebe Carlisle is traveling with her uncle, captain of the H.M.S. Aries, to live with cousins. An attack by a French ship-of-the-line forces them to seek refuge along the Connecticut River. Doctor Alden Ingersoll prefers to be in control of any situation, but his fate is ripped from his grasp when he’s pressed into the Royal Navy to tend an injured captain. In Phoebe’s company, Alden finds his desire to escape the ship fading. But pursuing her means abandoning hope of returning to his medical practice and his family.




How did you choose the occupations for your hero and heroines?
Carla – Long interested in Colonial New England history, I know that there were many shipbuilding communities in the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the trades involved was figurehead ship carving. There was something romantic about the beautiful figures that were created. And when I discovered this picture, I knew there was a story there and felt it would be a good trade for a strong hero.  
Amber – In our pre-sale discussions, we hashed out what each of the four brothers would be. I’d been in the middle of writing about a shipping industry mogul in the 1800’s, so ships were on my brain. Making Jonathan a merchant trader seemed only natural. Of course, considering his older brother is a master figurehead carver, it worked great.

Laurie Alice  – I needed something a man with a severe limp could do in a colonial town, and figured the son of an innkeeper would know the need for baked goods. And the barrel idea just came to me from somewhere, which led to research on barrels, which led to flour, which led to baking also. . .
Lisa  – Being a doctor was the second thing I wanted to do when I grew up. (Right after being an astronaut.) So the medical field has always had a tremendous amount of appeal. Combine that with the idea of doing something daring and experimental that flew in the face of the thinking of the day, and I couldn’t resist the allure.
Was there some historical research that you came across while working on your novella that you found interesting and would like to share with us?
Carla – There is some interesting lore surrounding the ship's figurehead, the sentinel proudly displayed upon the bow. To sail a ship without a figurehead was dangerous as it was thought that the figurehead embodied the ship's soul and would keep evil spirits at bay. If the ship sunk without a figurehead it was said that the sailor's ghosts would haunt the sea for eternity. If a ship's figurehead was painted black it was considered bad luck.
Amber – The most fascinating fact I discovered was where the ship owners docked their ships for the cold winter in New England. They didn’t have dry dock options in the Colonial era, so they merely sought out warmer waters that didn’t freeze during the winter and anchored their ships in the middle of a bay or even the ocean, hoping they weren’t looted or stolen when not in use.

Laurie Alice – While researching barrels,I found an article about an apple rebellion amongst farmers in the 19th century. I’m afraid the details have eluded me after nearly two years and a lot of research.

Lisa  – Some of the most fascinating research I stumbled upon had to do with early blood transfusion experiments. Sheep were used as donors based on the logic was that they were docile and easily led, therefore their blood would cause the person to whom it was transfused to be docile and easily led. There was also some vague notion that had its basis in the Bible’s metaphor of Christians as sheep.



Amber, I really enjoyed your colonial novels in Liberty’s Promise. You wrote so well about the era and had such fascinating plots. I knew you’d be a perfect fit for the Colonial Courtships novella collection. What other periods in history do you enjoy writing about? 
Thank you, Carla! There is a special place in my heart for my debut series, and it seems as if I’ll be returning to that era and locale for some upcoming novels. Didn’t set out with a plan to write Colonial, but you write what sells. I especially love the era between the Civil War and World War I. It was full of such change and vibrancy. A blend of the societal norms you might find in Regency England with the factory workers of the Industrial Revolution and all the change in America that came with it. They call it the Gilded Age, and it’s an exciting time in our nation’s history.
Laurie Alice, The Glassblower was also set in 18th century America, the first in the New Jersey Series, which also includes later settings of history. What other series have you written and what era are they?

I have a novella in Highland Crossings. “Printed on My Heart” is set in colonial North Carolina. Besides that, I have The Midwives series, which is set between 1809 and 1842 mostly in Virginia and a few other countries briefly. Then there is The Daughters of Bainbridge House, which are Regencies set in London and the English countryside. Better than Gold is the third book in a series with other authors, and I’ve just sold another Regency  series to Zondervan, not yet named.
Lisa, Congratulations! Colonial Courtships is your debut book and I’m thrilled for you! We are working on another novella collection together, Mistletoe Memories, that will release next year. Please tell us what other projects you have been contracted for.
Thanks, Carla! It is definitely an exciting time. I’m looking forward to diving into Mistletoe Memories. That due date’s coming up soon! I have another colonial called The Magistrate’s Folly coming from Heartsong Presents in January 2013. And a three book series co-authored with Jennifer AlLee through Whitaker House. The Amazing Love series is set during the 1860’s and features plenty of intrigue, adventure and romance. Eureka!, the first story will be out in the Fall of 2013.
Thank you all for visiting. It was a true please to work with you all on Colonial Courtships!

To learn more about Amber, Laurie Alice, and Lisa, visit them online by clicking the links to their websites located underneath their photos above. Also, please join us at the Romancing America blog over the next few weeks for more chances to win Colonial Courtships and to get to know our authors.

50 comments:

  1. I am so thrilled for Lisa's debut (You are all going to love her writing!) and for the opportunity to have all these gifted authors together for one of my favorite historical periods. Great post Carla! Loved seeing behind the scenes on how you all found your stories.

    Hugs to you all! Can't wait to get this book in my hands!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you, Deb! I'm so excited for Lisa's debut, too! She has exceptional talent. She concluded Colonial Courtships with a strong story. Glad you stopped by!

    ReplyDelete
  3. WOW!!! What a GREAT sounding collection of novella's. I love Laurie and Amber's stuff. Need to read this to be introduced to you, Carla, and Lisa! Exciting

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jaime. I hope you'll enjoy it. Lisa and I had a great time working with Laurie Alice and Amber. It was an honor to be in the same collection with these talented authors.

      Delete
  4. What a great combination! I'm excited for you ladies. And a big congratulations to Lisa! So happy for her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, we are thrilled for Lisa! I hope you will enjoy the book!

      Delete
  5. Lisa, I love reading books and I admire those who can write the stories that I enjoy. I love reading about colonial times. My hubby's family came over in the 1600's and settled in Rhode Island. I know that I will love reading these stories!I would love to win the gift basket. Thanks so much for the chance to win. You ladies rock! :)
    Debbie Clark
    debbiemcla(at)msn(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie,my ancestors settled next door in Massachusetts. Rhode Island has a rich colonial history, I was just reading about some of it this morning, in fact!

      Delete
  6. What an interesting post chockful of insights. Thanks for posting and offering such a nice prize.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you enjoyed it. So much goes into writing fiction that it was fun sharing extra tidbits.

      Delete
  7. Hey Carla! Thanks for hosting us all! It's exciting to see my dream of publication come true. But being me, I'm nervous now about how my story will be received. Of course I'm confident that the others will be devoured, because they're all so good!

    Deb sure is a wonderful cheerleader, isn't she?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a blessing having you join us on Colonial Courtships. You were highly recommended by Laurie Alice and she sure knows how to write. You did a fantastic job on your story and I'm so excited to see your career taking off with your upcoming books.

      Delete
  8. How exciting. Congratulations to all of you.

    Blessings,
    Jodie Wolfe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Jody! It was great fun to do this project with such wonderful authors, Lisa included! Some day we'll be seeing you in print, too!

      Delete
  9. All of the stories sound very interesting! I love "meeting" new authors, so winning this basket would be very exciting to me! I can never fully fund my love of reading! It's been a while since I've read historical fiction, these stories would fill the bill! Best of luck to all of the authors in this collection!!! Thanks for the interviews, Carla...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Connie. If you are looking for a super historical time period, colonial is so rich! I hope you'll enjoy reading Colonial Courtships. Glad you stopped by.

      Delete
  10. I love Colonial times and marvel at the tenacity and bravery they possessed during difficult times. And, living in Connnecticut, I am interested in these stories in particular. I look forward to reading about the places and history nearby.

    Jeanne Doyon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I so agree with you, Jeanne. I'm a native New Englander and there is such an awesome history there. It was so much fun visiting Glastonbury for research. You can read more about that at the Romancing America blog next week when I share about my trip to historic Glastonbury. And I love Mystic Seaport, too! Blessings!

      Delete
  11. Thanks for sharing the authors with us. This makes me want to read it more than I had before. It's on my Christmas list. To all the authors, keep up the good work and create more books that are great and good to read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nutty Artist, what a great name! I'm glad to hear Colonial Courtships already had your attention and I hope it makes it under your tree...one way or another! Blessings!

      Delete
  12. What wonderful history!!! martha(at)lclink(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Martha! It was so much fun to research. One thing I enjoy about my co-authors as they are all experts at authenticating their works of fiction with thorough research. I, personally, love delving into Colonial American history.

      Delete
  13. I have been to Colonial Williamsburg many times and would love this basket & all these great books! Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Colonial Williamsburg is one of my favorite places! I wish I could go there and live for a month. In costume, of course. Thanks for coming by, Rhonda.

      Delete
  14. I have not read anything by these authors yet, but I would love to win and have the chance to read them! It's always fun finding new books to read! makeighleekyleigh @ yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Megan, so glad to have the chance to introduce you to each of us. Be sure to check out each of our websites to learn more about our writing. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  15. I have read Laurie Eakes' books before--A Flight of Fancy right now. Excellent author. I would love to win the basket and read the books. Great time period. margueriteg@att.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurie Alice is a superior author. We were thrilled to have her join us in writing this collection. I'm finding more and more folks who really like the colonial time period. Blessings, Marguerite!

      Delete
  16. The Colonial Basket would make a wonderful Christmas gift. Thanks for entering me in the contest.
    Janet Estridge
    von1janet@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's a sweet idea, Janet! I just love putting gift baskets together. And this one smells so nice with the gingerbread and the cranberry candles.

      Delete
  17. This could be my birthday present! I celebrate the whole month of November!

    missionwife@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. That would be just awesome, Melody! I have a November birthday, too. The 16th. Happy birthday to you!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Would love to win this basket and read all these books!
    likesmusic2@consolidated.net

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thank you for coming by, Debbie!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. The books look inspiring!

    jenniferbyerschambers@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you'll find that they are, Jennifer! There's a lot of substance to them, along with a joyful tale.

      Delete
  22. Loved reading about where you ladies found your inspiration, and especially the surprises you turned up during research. Congrats to all of you on a wonderful novella collection!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Jennifer! And I am blessed to be able to work with you on a few projects coming up: the Quilts of Love series from Abingdon, and the Mistletoe Memories novella collection. I hope readers will also look for these next year! Blessings!

      Delete
  23. Carla, what a nice post about your stories! I will go put up a link from Colonial Quills over to this great post. Thanks for telling us more about how you did your research for the novella collection. Very interesting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Carrie, you are such a sweetie and networking maven! Research is definitely one of my favorite parts of the process and I was glad to have our authors share about their stories. Special blessings to you for all your help in promoting Colonial American fiction.

      Delete
  24. I cannot wait to get this book and read it! Thanks for letting us know more about it.

    luvsherfam @ gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome, Susan! Glad you stopped by and I'm glad you enjoyed our post.

      Delete
  25. Wow. So much information. Thanks for sharing.

    Ginger
    Ginger dot Solomon at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ginger, Yes, we don't do this very often, but I thought it would be fun to gather all the authors together to tell about the writing of Colonial Courtships. So nice of you to come by!

      Delete
  26. I've enjoyed reading books by three of you so I'm sure I'll enjoy this one. Thanks for the chance to win!
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your gracious comment, Pegg! I still have that photo of you and your lamb reading The Shadow Catcher's Daughter, love it! Any chance he might like to read Colonial Courtships? He's probably much bigger now, I imagine. LOL!

      Delete
  27. What a great article and what talented authors. Please enter me in the contest.

    carolynboyles at swbell dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Carolyn. You are entered in the drawing! I hope you'll win, but if not, please be sure to pick up a copy of Colonial Courtships. Blessings!

      Delete
  28. Hi Carla--

    I don't enter many of the drawings--but have been following this book since you were on CQ's review Monday....thanks for the opportunity, Carla! Blessings on your success! p.s. put this under the wrong post earlier :]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a faithful fan, Pat! You are such an amazing supporter of colonial fiction. Love to you!!

      Delete

Thanks for visiting Adventures of the Heart. Be sure to check back for my responses to your comments. Be blessed!