Today I welcome author Elaine Violette to tell us a little about herself and her latest release, The Diary of Narcissa Dunn. First Elaine answers my five quick questions:
Someone just gave you the best compliment ever. What was it? “Elaine, Faith, Hope, and Love shine through in your books.” A dear friend once told me that, to her, I exhibited these qualities and it meant a great deal when I was going through a difficult time. I hope my heroes and heroines reflect these qualities as they overcome their struggles. My Redemption Series carries these themes beginning with THE DIARY OF NARCISSA DUNN.
Name one thing that is guaranteed to make you laugh and one thing that will always make you cry.
This is such an interesting question. I’m not sure what direction to go in so I’ll give two scenarios. Personally, the antics of toddler grandchildren always make me laugh and remembering loved ones I’ve lost always make me cry. In reading novels, I love writing quirky, opinionated, often silly elderly aunts or servants in my books. They make me laugh and I hope they do the same for my readers. A compelling, heart wrenching novel where a character faces tremendous loss or ends with the sweetest happy ever after, will always make me cry.
Uh huh. I read GONE WITH THE WIND numerous times and cried every time Melanie died.
You get a month off from your regular personal life and writing routine to travel. Where will you go? What will you do? Why did you choose this destination or trip? I would go to Ireland! I love the lilting Irish brogue, the legends, the music, the village charm. I’d roam the country sides, socialize in the pubs, and take a lot of pictures. I think I was meant to be Irish, but I don’t have a drop o’ the blood. I haven’t written a book set in Ireland yet but if I get that month in Ireland, I’ll soak up enough culture to create an Irish heroine who lives in a lovely cottage in Limerick and, perhaps, believes in leprechauns.
I’m on board! Two tickets please!
You get one do-over from your life so far. What is it? Can I get the do-over, knowing what I know now? I guess that’s the only way I can answer this question. I don’t have any regrets because I did the best I could with what I knew at the time. If, however, I could use present wisdom, I would have stopped trying to be super mom, Mrs. clean, etc. I’d jump in the mud, play in the puddles, pop water balloons, roll in the grass. Yes, laugh more with my kids, and worry less.
You have no choice but to live your life from now on as one of your characters. Which character is it and why? I’d choose Emily Grace in A CONVENIENT PRETENSE. Emily is beautiful, independent, and strong willed. She loves to read and write poetry. And though she uses her writing as a way to escape marriage, she learns soon enough to put the past behind her and reach out to love. Yes, I really like Emily. Oh, and being a Regency miss, I could wear such beautiful gowns!
Sometimes it IS all about the dress, isn’t it?
And now here’s the scoop on the The Diary of Narcissa Dunn plus a short excerpt:
Scandalous secrets discovered in an old diary could shatter Olivia’s identity and destroy her family. Will it be its finder or a messenger from the grave who reveals its hidden truths?
THE DIARY OF NARCISSA DUNN, released on May 1st for Amazon and coming soon to other outlets.
THE DIARY OF NARCISSA DUNN is a ghostly love story that combines historical fiction with romantic and paranormal elements. Set in New England, pre-Civil War, the story reveals the complex relationship between a father and daughter. When Olivia’s father tries to force his daughter into an unwanted marriage, mysterious events occur, leaving the family on edge.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Pratt, desperately in love with Olivia, discovers an old diary that exposes scandalous, long hidden secrets. He becomes an unwilling messenger, torn between revealing truths that will shatter her identity and destroy her family, or keep the secret and watch her marry another. Either way, he’s bound to lose her unless a mysterious woman intervenes.
Here’s a Brief Excerpt from The Diary of Narcissa Dunn by Elaine Violette:
“William believes it is God’s will we marry. He’s already talked to Father and received his blessing. What was I to say? Do I even have a voice in the matter?”
Lovena’s large bosom lifted and sagged. She shook her head. “You been spending time with Mr. Tapley, goin’ for walks and carriage rides. Didn’t you plan to go with him to the spring dance the town been plannin’ after Easter? In his mind, you and him were courtin’ in a respectful way.”
“Most of the time he was conversing with Father.” Olivia’s shoulders slumped. Had she led him to believe she was expecting a proposal? “I admit I was flattered by his attentions at first, but I hadn’t considered our relationship went beyond friendship…until recently.”
“A man’s attentions to a pretty young woman ain’t never a desire for only friendship.”
“I hadn’t meant to lead him to thinking I’d want to marry him.” She covered her face with her hands.
Lovena pushed out a chair and sat beside her. “I think you been enjoyin’ Mr. Tapley’s attentions until the Pratt boy started showin’ up.”
Olivia couldn’t deny it. At first she was flattered by William’s desire to spend time with her but deeper feelings hadn’t grown, despite the time they spent together. Even his kisses were forgettable. It was so different with Ben. Her heart leaped in her chest the minute she saw him arrive to begin his work. Her body tingled into the depth of her womb when they were together.
Lovena wiped away a tear that rolled down Olivia’s cheek. “We can’t control those feelin`s inside, Livie, when the right boy stirs ‘em up.”
“What am I to do?” she pleaded. “Father will understand, won’t he? He can’t expect me to agree to marry a man I could never love.”
* * * * *
About the Author – Elaine Violette
Elaine writes British and American Historical Romances. Part of the fun of writing Historicals, she says, is doing research into the past and creating characters who live and love in those sometimes glorious and sometimes harrowing times. A veteran English teacher, Elaine holds a BS in English Education from the University of CT and an MS in Educational Leadership from Central CT State University. She presently teaches public speaking part time at a local community college. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and CT Romance Writers (CTRWA). Residing on the Connecticut shoreline with her golfing husband, Drew, she delights in being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her favorite activities apart from writing are nature walks, kayaking, and playing Mah Jongg with friends.
Buy Links:
The Diary of Narcissa Dunn: http://amzn.com/B01EBA54T6
Amazon Central for all her books: https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/books
Barnes & Noble NOOK: http://bit.ly/26LniMo
Author Links:
Sign up for Elaine’s newsletter on her website: www.elaineviolette.com
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Comment on her blog: http://elainevioletteblogs.blogspot.com/
Visit on Twitter: https://twitter.com/elaine_violette
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Thanks for being my guest, Elaine!