Thursday Talkshow: Meet Caryl McAdoo

Thursday Talkshow: Meet Caryl McAdoo

Linda: I am so pleased you could stop by to chat with me. You’ve just released two books, Son of Promise and Silent Harmony. Can you tell us about bit about them?

Caryl: May I first say what a pleasure it is to be with you today? I so appreciate this opportunity, Linda.

My readers met the main characters in Son of Promise, Travis and Emma Lee Buckmeyer when they married in the final installment (book ten) of my Texas Romance Family Saga, Chief of Sinners. I really loved the two of them and decided they needed their own novel, but it couldn’t be a romance, so I’m calling it a Companion book to the series—women’s fiction. It’s a story of redemption, and conquering familial love, of truth and lies and of moral choices resulting in consequences.

Travis has wanted to tell his wife of a long ago indiscretion, but keeps putting it off due to multiple miscarriages, but time has caught up with him. That morning, he has to tell her he has a twelve-year-old son from a one-night-stand because he’s going to pick the boy up from a reform school and intends to bring him home. Bringing the juvenile delinquent into their lives means lots of conflict all around. It’s set in 1950—the year I was born. 

Silent Harmony is a part of a ten-book collection called Lockets and Lace. The novella is set in 1867, just after the Civil War that took the lives of the father and the oldest sister’s husband, leaving three Parker sisters living alone together on their northeast Texas prairie. The arrival of the story’s hero, a preacher form the east coming to start a School of the Deaf in the area at his mother’s family home place, brings even more trouble between the sisters as all three have their eye on him.

The title character, Harmony is the four-year-old daughter of the widowed sister, Lucy. The middle child, Servilia is a gossip and keeps a sharp tongue. With a chip on her shoulder, she resents both sisters and her deaf niece. The girls’ mother passed at the birth of the third sister, so Lucy’s raised Melody and loves her as her own—the same way Melody loves Harmony. I recently blogged about my research on Schools of the Deaf Schools of the Deaf .

    

Linda: Those sound fascinating! You have written numerous books. Where do you get ideas for your stories?

Caryl: These two titles are my thirty-first and second to be published; the first ten traditionally, then in 2014, I went independent and have published the rest since then, so I’m a hybrid author. When I start a new story, there’s only a vague idea of the character and premise. I just start writing chapter one, and the characters and stories develop as I write. Just like the new songs God gives me, I must give Him all the glory for these wonderful stories, too. Sometimes I get more than halfway into one and still have no idea how He’s going to make it all work, but He always does. And it always amazes me J

Linda: You have written Biblical, historical, and contemporary fiction. How do you decide which genre you’d like to write in, and do you have a favorite?

Caryl: Each time I start a new book, I have that vague idea which determines the genre. I love them all and for different reasons. In the Biblical fiction series The Generations, it’s making Biblical characters come alive.

I’m a real stickler to adhere to the Word, so I do not change His story, just add dimension to the characters who were just people like us with troubles and trials and emotions. You will find though that the perspective on the Scripture might take quite a different turn from the traditional stories we learned as children in Sunday School.

My best-selling novels are the historical romances, and because I have a beloved (fifty years of marriage to my co-writer husband Ron in June 2018!) I enjoy writing these love stories. And though I was no history buff in high school, I find myself enthralled with the research for the different time periods to find how those people lived. Contemporary romance is fun because I can just write away, very little research.

Because I have seventeen grandchildren, I also write for Mid-grade and Young Adults. Ron and I go to schools and I love those presentations and being around the children. I have a thriller, a military story and a couple of mysteries—working on another now—and three non-fiction as well! One of my mentors, Jack Ballas, Berkley’s top western author, told me, “Caryl, pick a genre!” But I never could! As to my favorite genre . . . ummm . . . I will say the historical Christian romances.   

Linda: What is your favorite part of the writing process? (e.g. research, dreaming up characters, developing plot, etc.)

Caryl: Dreaming up and giving my characters dimension! I think most readers would agree that my stories are character driven. I’m told over and again how they feel like real people, family and friends to my readers. What a wonderful compliment that is. The fun part is the characters become the same to me!

Linda: Family is very important to you, and I’m sure you must spend as much time with them as you can, but do you have hobbies or activities you like to pursue?

Caryl: I love flower gardening but have difficulty getting up and down like I used to. I love singing—praise and worship songs best. And I’d be remiss not to include playing bridge. Ron and I play every Tuesday night with several other couples and from that, I’ve been invited to play in a monthly ladies bridge club on Thursday afternoons.

Linda: Quickies:

What’s your favorite color? GREEN, some might say a little obsessively! My eyes were very green as a child. Emerald is my birthstone. Spring is my favorite season when everything turns green—it signifies new life. I drive a green car, my walls are green, I have green furniture, roof, clothes, purse, sunglasses, date book, coffee cup, and I only write with green ink J Laaaa!

What’s your favorite food? TACOS! I’m having a Taco Tree in the front yard of my heavenly mansion. Come on by and have one when we both get there! I’ll share!

What’s your favorite Bible verse?  Oh, so many to choose from, but a ‘life’ scripture is Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Caryl:

Website: http://www.carylmcadoo.com/

Newsletter signup: http://carylmcadoo.com/sign-up-to-the-caryler

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CarylMcAdoo.author

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_1hQx6UZbWi3OYwmKKxh6Q

Blogs:

The Word and Music: http://carylmcadoo.com/blog/

HeartWings: http://www.HeartWingsBlog.com

Stitches Thru Time: http://www.StitchesThruTime.blogspot.com

Sweet Americana Sweethearts: http://www.SweetAmericanaSweethearts.blogspot.com

Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/GoodReadsCaryl

Google+: http://tinyurl.com/CarylsGooglePlus

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryl-mcadoo-00562323

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CarylMcAdoo

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/CarylMcAdoo

Puzzle: https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=10dafee7870e

Traveling Tuesday: Wales in WWII

Traveling Tuesday: Wales in WWII

Part of the United Kingdom, Wales is a small country-slightly larger than Lake Ontario and also roughly the same size as Clark County, Nevada (the county that houses Las Vegas). Conquered in 1282 by Britain's Edward I, the country briefly gained its independence in the 15th Century before being annexed by England as part of the Laws in Wales Act (1535-1542).

The Industrial Revolution had a great impact on Wales. Mining and metallurgical industries grew exponentially, moving the country from an agrarian society to a manufacturing society. Located on the southern coast on the Bristol Channel, Cardiff and Swansea became industrial centers, and as a result were heavily targeted by the Germans during WWII.

Cardiff was one of the largest coal ports in the world, and suffered over 2,000 bombs and lost nearly 400 people. The Cardiff Blitz occurred from July 194 through May 1941 during which attacks were regular and virulent. During one ten-hour period, more than one hundred bombers dropped incendiary bombs, high explosive bombs, and parachute mines. Llandaff Cathedral was damaged as well as over 350 homes. Bombing raids were fewer, but continued through 1944.

Over a three day period in February 1941, more than 35,000 incendiary and 800 high explosive bombs were dropped on the port city of Swansea. The resulting fires were so prevalent, they could be seen across the Bristol Channel in Devon. According to Vor Lloyd who was ten years old at the time, "A fire engine stopped outside our house, but most of the firemen and the men in the chain (water bucket brigade) were killed when a high explosive bomb dropped in the spot."

"There wasn't much chance of a sleep," says Terry Jones. "I remember clearly sitting on the low garden wall seeing the fire and explosions, then a slight delay before the 'crump' of the explosions was heard up in the valley."

People endured the attacks with bravery and stoicism. Within some communities there was looting of bomb sites, but more often than not families, neighbors, and strangers helped each other.

Talkshow Thursday: Author Terrie Todd

Talkshow Thursday: Author Terrie Todd

I discovered Terrie Todd's first book, The Silver Suitcase when it first came out. I was drawn to the story because it was set during WWII, my favorite era about which to read and write. Since then she has come out with two more books, Bleak Landing the most recent. Grab a "cuppa" and get to know this interesting lady.

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. I loved your first two books, and recently discovered that you’ve published a third, Bleak Landing. I can’t wait to read it. 

Here's the book blurb: In the dead-end Canadian town of Bleak Landing, twelve year old Irish immigrant Bridget O'Sullivan lives in a ramshackle house and dreams of another life, even as The Great Depression rages. Routinely beaten by her father and bullied by schoolmate Victor Harrison, the waifish but fiery redhead vows to run away and never return. Just a few short years later, run she does-fleeing the unspeakable repercussions of her father's gambling. In Winnipeg, Bridget lands a job in a garment factory, the first step in her journey to shed her past and begin anew.

When her father dies, Bridget-now a striking and accomplished woman-returns home to claim her inheritance. But she has no identification to prove her stake, and no one in town recognizes her-except Victor, who has become a pastor and a candidate for town mayor. Though war has wounded him, his secret affection for Bridget remains, and now he's the only one who can help her prove her integrity. But can he also prove he's a changed man worthy of her forgiveness?

As Victor preaches of freedom in faith, will his words spark Bridget's once-hopeless heart and lead her to the life she's been seeking?

Where did you find your inspiration for this story?

Terrie: Thanks so much for inviting me, Linda! Bleak Landing began with a mental image of a young girl locked in an outhouse on a hot day during the Great Depression and went from there. Parts of the story were also influenced by Downton Abbey, even though my story is set a few years later and in Canada, not Great Britain!

LM: The age old question for writers – are you a planner or a “panster,” and what is your favorite part of the writing process?

Terrie: Definitely a pantster. When I try to plot it out, I either lose interest because I already know what happens, or I deviate so much my original plan is unrecognizable.

My favorite part is the editing. Laying out that first draft is grueling, and makes me feel like a cotton headed ninny muggins. But once that’s down and I’ve got some feedback from others—especially after the professional editors get their hands on it—I love making improvements and polishing the story.

LM: You write historical fiction which requires an extra layer of research to ensure accuracy about the era. How did you go about researching Bleak Landing and did you discover any extra special tidbits of information? 

Terrie: Having done two previous historicals (The Silver Suitcase and Maggie’s War), I was able to use some of the research from those. I loved working in some little-known tidbits like “IF Day” in Winnipeg during the war, and the visit of the king and queen in 1939. My editors at Waterfall Press were also brilliant at fact-checking and caught some of my errors, such as my reference to the Hudson Bay Company (it’s actually the Hudson’s Bay Company, even though the body of water is called Hudson Bay! Who knew?)

LM: How did you get started as a writer, and how did you decide to seek publication?

Terrie: I first realized I might have a knack for writing when people began telling me how much they looked forward to our family Christmas newsletters. For years, I was the drama director at my church and wrote numerous plays and sketches for the team, some of which were later published. I began writing my first novel in 2009, the year I turned 50, just to see if I could.

The road to publication was long and littered with “close, but no cigar” results in contests. While I waited and learned more about the industry and studied the craft, I took on a weekly “faith and humor” column in our local newspaper. Six-plus years of column-writing has taught me much about meeting deadlines, connecting with readers, and writing tight. I also sold a couple of plays and eight Chicken Soup for the Soul stories during that time.

When my first novel finaled in the Christian Writers Guild’s Operation First Novel contest two years in a row, it drew the attention of an agent (Jessica Kirkland) who signed me and eventually sold the book to Waterfall…who then published my next two books as well.

LM: You live in a beautiful area of the world, a place many people visit. If money were no object, what is your idea of the ultimate vacation?

Terrie: At the risk of sounding cliché, I can’t imagine anything better than escaping a cold Canadian January to lie on a warm beach in Hawaii or Jamaica. So far, imagining it is all I’ve managed.

LM: What is your next project?

Terrie: I just finished the first draft of another historical called April’s Promise. Here’s the tag line:

One Secret. Three Sisters. One longs with all her heart to know the truth. One simply wants the truth to go away. And one is desperate to keep the truth hidden forever.

Waterfall Press has discontinued its fiction line, so my agent is in the process of finding us a new publisher for this fourth book.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

Terrie: 

Website: http://www.terrietodd.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/terrie.todd.31

Wartime Wednesday: The Girl Scouts During WWII

Wartime Wednesday: The Girl Scouts During WWII

First I was a Brownie, then a Girl Scout through eighth grade. I had excellent leaders and made happy memories during my time in the Scouting ranks. I earned my fair share of badges and gained prowess in many areas. Founded in March 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, the organization’s mission was to build character through community service, outdoor activities, and homemaking skills.

With service being an integral part of the Girl Scout’s credo, they were active in myriad ways on the World War II home front. Like most Americans, the girls created Victory gardens, collected scrap metal and fat, and sold war bonds. However, they also collected over one million articles of clothing for refugees, and some of the girls worked as farm aides while others served as bicycle couriers.

In 1942, the Senior-level girls started a hospital aide program. Tasks included performing clerical work, assisting patients with eating, and making beds. Another interesting project they were responsible for was the Defense Institute that was geared toward teaching survival skills and ways to comfort children during possible air raids.

With rationing in full force by 1944, the Girl Scouts set aside their famous cookies to sell calendars. Also mindful of the shortage of fabric and sewing notions, the uniform was changed from a zippered bodice to one that buttoned. In honor of the group’s founder, the one hundred and first Liberty ship was given the name S.S. Juliette Low and launched in Savannah, GA on May 12, 1944. Christened by Ms. Low’s niece Margaret Gordon, the ship was operated by the South Atlantic Steamship Line and carried cargo for the British, Lend Lease, and U.S. Army in nearly all wartime theaters of operation. Ms. Low would no doubt be pleased to know the ship served with distinction until being scuttled in 1972.

Were you ever part of the Scouts or other girl’s organization?

Mystery Monday: Detection Club Member Gladys Mitchell

Mystery Monday: Detection Club Member Gladys Mitchell

Although author Gladys Mitchell wrote nearly ninety novels (Including eleven under two different pseudonyms), her work has been forgotten by most readers. Born in England on April 21, 1901, she became an English and history teacher. Publishing her first novel, Speedy Death, in 1929, she was a prolific writer, issuing at least one book per year. Despite her success as an author, she continue to teach until 1961 when she retired. She continued writing until her death at aged 82.

Sixty-six of Mitchell’s books feature Beatrice Adela Lestrange Bradley, a “modern woman” who held a distinguished academic career. Her biography is rather convoluted and inconsistent (Keeping track of characters can be difficult. I can’t imagine doing it for that many books!). Mrs. Bradley was married twice, and perhaps a third time. She had at least two sons and perhaps more. A highly intelligent woman, she received numerous degrees. Using her prodigious knowledge to solve crimes, she is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes.

Mitchell wrote a series of historical novels under the name Stephen Hockaby and a series featuring architect Timothy Herring under the name Malcolm Torrie. She also published ten children’s books under her own name.

The Detection Club was founded in 1930 by a group of British mystery writers, and Gladys Mitchell was an early member. The club included such legendary authors as G.K. Chesterton, Agatha Christy, and Dorothy Sayers.

Two of her books were adapted for radio in the early 1990s, and in 1999 Diana Rigg took the role for the BBC series Mrs. Bradley Mysteries. Most of her books are out of print, but can be obtained through Amazon as ebooks. Better yet, check your local library for one of the gems.

Blog Tour: A Song Unheard

Blog Tour: A Song Unheard

About the Book

  

Title: A Song Unheard  
Author: Roseanna M. White  
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction  
Release Date: January 2, 2018

Willa Forsythe is both a violin prodigy and top-notch thief, which makes her the perfect choice for a crucial task at the outset of World War I—to steal a cypher from a famous violinist currently in Wales. Lukas De Wilde has enjoyed the life of fame he’s won—until now, when being recognized nearly gets him killed. Everyone wants the key to his father’s work as a cryptologist. And Lukas fears that his mother and sister, who have vanished in the wake of the German invasion of Belgium, will pay the price. The only light he finds is meeting the intriguing Willa Forsythe. But danger presses in from every side, and Willa knows what Lukas doesn’t—that she must betray him and find that cypher, or her own family will pay the price as surely as his has.

Click here to purchase your copy!

My Thoughts

Having read A Name Unknown, I looked forward to its sequel A Song Unheard. The writing is up to Ms. White’s usual standards: realistic dialogue, and vivid description that puts me deep into the hearts and minds of the characters and on the streets of WWI Europe. However, in an effort to bring readers who have not read book one up to speed, the first several chapters are filled with backstory which I found tedious. Willa’s childhood seems much the same as Rosemary’s (the protagonist in book one) that the beginning of the book feels repetitive. The plot is intriguing, and I enjoyed finding out that it is based on real characters. I love when fiction makes me want to learn more about real people and events. Willa and Lukas are endearing characters, ones who will stay with me for a long time. Their strengths and vulnerabilities make me examine my own life. I love Willa’s relationship with her brother, Barclay. Their snappy dialogue is fun and made me laugh out loud on several occasions. The tension and pace are ratcheted up in the last third of the story, and I set everything aside to finish the book.

I received this book for free from CelebrateLit Publicity, and a positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Guest post from Roseanna White

I started playing the piano when I was 7. I didn’t discover any long-dormant genius or anything, but I liked it. When my sister quit, I kept playing. In middle school, I switched teachers, and moving from the lady at my church that I knew so well to someone who was just my piano teacher made a difference in how I applied myself. It deepened my love of music. We all know how some random moments stand out forever in our memory. One such for me happened on the school bus. I was sitting with my best friend, talking about the new piano piece I was learning. “Via Delorosa” means Road of Sorrow, and it’s a song that tells musically about Jesus’ journey to Golgotha—ending with the faint chime of the nails being driven into his palms. As my beloved Mrs. Peto went through this song with me the night before, I remember her circling a D♯ that I’d missed and saying how important that note was. That it made the whole line weep. That it would make the hearers weep. An epiphany so huge I had to share it with my friend. A well placed sharp could make music weep! Who knew? That was but one lesson Mrs. Peto taught me in how music could evoke things words never could. A woman of strong faith, she also taught me how a song could preach the Gospel. Music can be medicine. It can be hope. It can be tears. It can be truth. Music can be Jesus to a hurting heart that turns its back on words. This is a lesson I never forgot, and I had it always in mind as I was writing A Song Unheard. In this story, both my hero and heroine are musicians—violinists. But Willa (who is SO STUBBORN) wouldn’t listen to words of faith from any of the people in her life “suddenly spouting such nonsense.” But then, in her darkest hour, she hears a slip of melody. And she realizes it’s the Lord. I pray as readers move through the story of Willa Forsythe—violin prodigy and top-notch thief—that their spirits’ ears hear more than words, more than just a story. I pray they hear the Lord whispering that ultimate song. The one that says, “I love you.” Want to hear the song Willa eventually wrote in the book? You can! The violin music in this trailer is officially dubbed “Willa’s Song” and written specifically for this book. I hope you enjoy it! http://bit.ly/ASongUnheardTrailer

Blog Stops

Here are Roseanna's remaining blog stops:

January 11: Genesis 5020

January 11: Bookworm Mama

January 11: A Simply Enchanted Life

January 12: Avid Reader Book Reviews

January 12: Reflections from My Bookshelves

January 12: Blogging with Carol

January 12: Multifarious

January 12: Proud to be an Autism Mom

January 13: Faithfully Bookish

January 13: Christian Bookaholic

January 13: Karen Sue Hadley

January 13: Mary Hake

January 13: A Greater Yes

January 14: Just the Write Escape

January 14: Connie's History Classroom

January 14: Texas-bookaholic

January 15: A Reader's Brain

January 15: Rachel's Backtalk

January 15: Smiling Book Reviews

January 15: Cordially Barbara

January 15: Pursuing Stacie

January 16: The Fizzy Pop Collection

January 16: Kat's Corner Books

January 16: The Artistic Librarian

January 16: D's Quilts and Books

January 16: Big Reader Site

January 17: Mommynificent

January 17: Seasons of Opportunities

January 17: Moments Dipped in Ink

January 17: Baker Kella

January 17: Black 'n' Gold Girl's Bookspot

January 18: God's Little Bookworm

January 18: Allofakindmom

January 18: The Important Things in Life: God, Books and Chocolate

January 18: Inklings and Notions

January 18: Debbie's Dusty Deliberations

January 19: Pause for Tales

January 19: Have a Wonderful Day

January 19: Just Commonly

January 19: Bibliophile Review

January 19: Janice's Book Reviews

January 20: Radiant Light

January 20: The Power of Words

January 20: Book by Book

January 20: CAC Devourer

January 20: Jeannette's Thoughts

January 21: Splashes of Joy

January 21: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

January 21: Neverending Stories

January 21: Faery Tales are Real

January 21: A Baker's Perspective

January 22: Margaret Kazmierczak

January 22: The PhD Mamma

January 22: Cafinated Reads

January 22: Daysong Reflections

January 23: Romances of the Cross

January 23: Purposeful Learning

January 23: Rachel Scott McDaniel

January 23: Carpe Diem

January 23: Simple Harvest Reads

January 24: Kaylee's Kind of Writes

January 24: Henry Happens

January 24: Joy of Reading

January 24: Telltale Book Reviews

January 24: Raining Butterfly Kisses

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Roseanna is giving away a Grand Prize Package of a signed copy of the book as well as a lovely album of soothing songs based on the Scriptures called Hidden in My Heart (winner’s choice of CD or digital download)!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c72a

Traveling Tuesday: Ireland during WWII

Traveling Tuesday: Ireland during WWII

Both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland declared a stance of neutrality during WWII. An interesting aside is that despite being part of the United Kingdom, the citizens of Northern Ireland were not subjected to conscription. The two countries dealt with their neutrality in different ways.

In the Republic, WWII is known as The Emergency, and the Council voted not to join either the Allies or the Axis Powers. Invasion by both England and Germany was prepared for, and normal government operations were suspended. There were several instances of German raids by aircraft that missed their intended British targets, and both the Allies and Axis Powers attacked Irish shipping fleets. However, the Republic remained neutral.

According to a variety of sources, extensive intelligence information was shared between the Allies and the Republic. Weather reports were regularly sent, and the invasion of Normandy was partially planned using information from the Irish. Downed Allied fliers were to be interned for the duration of the war, but many were allowed to escape. Some citizens favored fighting against the Axis, and as a result, more than 50,000 people served in the British military. Others wanted to side with Hitler in the hope that if Germany won, the British would be forced out, thus unifying the island. Wages were low and prices high. Cross-border smuggling and the black market flourished.

Concerned that siding with the Allies or the Axis could create another civil war, Northern Ireland chose to remain neutral. In the early days of the war, the country saw very little impact of the conflict. Rationing was minimal, they were left alone by the warring countries, and less than 40,000 of their sons and daughters enlisted in the military. Belfast was attacked in the April of 1941, but Northern Ireland maintained their position. However, they did allow American, British, and Canadian personnel to pass through the country as a staging area for various Allied campaigns.

Over the years, the Republic and Northern Ireland received criticism for the neutrality, but as with all governments they must decide what is best for their countries.