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| Author Genevieve Graham |
The answer to the first is true love. I fell completely in love with historical adventure stories. I was—and still am—obsessed with Diana Gabaldon’s epic “Outlander” series, and when I’d read that four times (and listened to the unabridged audio books another three times), I got lost in the beautiful work of Sara Donati, Penelope Williamson, Jennifer Roberson, and others. The authors swept me up and carried me away, and I had a really hard time setting my feet on plain old solid ground after those experiences.
So I decided not to. I decided it was time to create my own adventures. And that is where the answer to the second question comes in. I had no idea what I was doing or where to start, but I plonked myself in front of our computer and stared at it for a while, just waiting. I’d read of authors creating stories that way, so I figured it was as good a place to start as any. I let myself go in to a kind of trance, I guess, and after a while, I felt a sense of urging, an energy pressing me on. I really did. I started to type, describing what I saw and felt, then realized after the first few words that I had little or nothing to do with writing. I was the medium. The “speaker” in my head was Maggie, and she had a lot to tell. The next day when I sat back down, I was thrown into a brutal battle on Culloden Moor, standing witness as the gorgeously rugged Highlander, Andrew MacDonnell, fought for his life.
It is an intensely cool thing, writing. It takes some discipline, because I often feel the impulse to write something one way but I choose to try a different way. Inevitably, the path to which I am led by my invisible guide is a better choice than the one I try to create myself.
A lot of writers say they “always knew” they wanted to be an author. I didn’t. I didn’t write a thing until after I’d turned forty-two. I never felt the need, the craving to set words to paper, to express myself through stories. That’s kind of a double edged sword in a way. On the bright and shiny side, I love that I’m starting a whole new life when I figured I was just about done with learning new things. But on the rougher edge, I’m aware that there are lifelong writers out there, grinding their teeth, furious that I jumped the queue. Sorry, folks. But I’m not leaving!
“Under the Same Sky” was the start of it all. “Sound of the Heart”, which comes out May 1, was a complete surprise. When Penguin offered me a contract, it was on the basis that I write two books. Well, okay, says I. Fortunately, Dougal was just as forthcoming with his story as Maggie and Andrew were, and his adventures are really exciting. Since then I’ve written the third in the series and am working on the fourth. I’ve written a couple more historical fictions (one based here in Nova Scotia), a chicklit, and I occasionally attempt YA and Middle Grade just to stir my brain up a bit, but historical fiction is my true love. I’ll write just about anything if the story pops into my head. I guess I’m making up for lost time nowadays!
I’ve always loved reading. Now I love to write as well. And I have no plans to stop anytime soon!
have generously provided
- You must be at least 13 years old to enter.
- Deadline for entry is midnight Tuesday, March 27, 2012.
- This contest is open to US/Canada residents only.
- Following this blog is not required, but appreciated!
- Winners will be emailed and have 48 hours afterward to respond.
- Good Luck!
About Asheley
Asheley is a Southern girl. She loves Carolina blue skies, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and NC craft beer. She loves all things history but prefers books over everything.
You can find her somewhere in North Carolina, daydreaming about the ocean.
Find Asheley on Litsy @intothehallofbooks!
It sounds like the character development in the book is excellent especially with the main characters, Maggie and Andrew. Also, the action takes place in two primary settings. It's cool hearing that the author didn't start her writing until she was 42. There's still life in the years yet! Congratulations!
There definitely is. I sure never expected to start a new career after 40! Never give up!
Yay, after reading yesterday's review and this post I know I'm just DYING to take this book to the beach with me!
PS – Asheley, you are reading The Name of the Wind – yesssssssssss! Holy crap it is so awesome, I'm so excited for you 🙂
Thanks, Kat!
I love when an author comes along and says they had no idea they wanted to be a writer until a bit later in life. It always gives me hope that I'll find something I just can't live without doing and maybe had no idea I wanted to do:) Not that I don't enjoy my job now, but it's always fun to wonder if there's something else out there I'd love more!
My thinking on that now is that if something pops into your head and you're thinking … hmmm … maybe …. then you should just DO it! What have you got to lose? (um, except maybe if it's jumping out of a plane or something. If it's something like that, you're on your own.) 😀
It's wonderful that you are wirting what you love to read. I've read books by Penelope Williamson and she can definitely carry me to the place. That's what I like in historical fiction, for the words to transport me to that time.
Me too, Na. I hope my book can take you away!
After reading the awesome review of Under the Same Sky, I'm so happy there is a chance to win the book! I'm a bit inspired by this interview, always wonderful to hear about someone finding their dream job and being successful at it!
NC
Truly Bookish
I'm like one of those people from those tv shows, you know? "I never thought it could happen to me …" LOL I'm a big believer in dreams coming true now!
Love to read this book…and to win would even be more awesome…babyruthmac16@yahoo.com
I absolutely LOVED the Outlander series, with its rich history and descriptions. I fell in love with that time period and ended up doing a lot of research on my own (you never know when that'll come in handy). Now, thanks to a fantastic guest post here, I've a new series to go check out…you better believe I will!
Thanks!
I'm so glad, Ems! I'm really hoping that Outlander readers will check out my books while they wait for Diana's next instalment. I'm actually TOTALLY excited right now because Diana asked me to mail her a copy last week. Yup. And whether she likes the book or not, she has just made a dream of mine come true. I used to joke around that one day Diana Gabaldon would read one of my books, and now she will. Incredible.
I love how you described how cool writing was and is for you. It's inspiring That writing was so new to you. I am so excited about reading Under the Same Sky! Love that it is half set in the Carolina's:)
I hope you enjoy reading it almost as much as I loved writing it. Thanks, Rebecca!
The book looks cool. Great guest post today. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks! Good luck, Georgette.
I think it's really inspiring how you started writing. I've never written anything, and I always thought that I couldn't. Now I know that it is definitely possible–all I have to do is give it a go!
Just give it a go and don't care what anyone thinks or says. Don't even show it to anyone. Not until you are totally ready. Write for YOU and you'll love it.
I think it's amazing that the characters' voices came to you so strongly! I hope to feel like that one day — maybe after I turn forty! 🙂
(commenting as Justine)
Forty's a magical age… I was pretty sure a few years ago that forty was SO OLD (and my daughter's assure me that it is) but now I feel like I'm starting all over again, and it's like 20 years has dropped off. Except now I have experience behind me and – hopefully – I'll make better decisions than I did then.
Fabulous to hear there will be FOUR books set in the "Under the Same Sky" world. Can't wait to read them all. Where can we buy your Nova Scotia HF?
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Kitchen Witch! You're SO far ahead of me! LOL
The first two books are published (#2 out May 1), but Penguin is still deciding what to do with book #3. And book #4 is just starting out. I love the series, though, (if I do say so myself!) and I really really hope everyone gets to read them all. These days things are pretty tough in the publishing world. With the closing of Borders, the wild popularity of ebooks, the crazy influx of self-published books … it's put traditional publishers in a tight spot. I think they have to wait and see if my first book does well enough before they decide on the third one. But I'm with you. I can't wait to read them all!
The books are on sale at all Chapters stores as well as the Tin Roof (which is right near my place!). Oh, and of course online.
I absolutely love historical fiction! My mom reads historical fiction and I started reading her novels when I was in eighth grade and actually enjoyed and learned so much history from them that I decided to major in history in college and will graduate this year! Congratulations on your new book!
Thanks, Brandi! I hope you get to read the books and maybe put a little something on your gorgeous new book blog site!
OK, *takes a deep breath* where do I start? 😀
I love you Asheley so much, for reading and reviewing Under The Same Sky and for inviting Genevieve to guest post on your blog -> I love you ladies, so much!
Although I have read and reviewed (and freaking LOVED) Under The Same Sky, I am still entering to win a signed copy. How could I possibly not? Especially since I gifted my copy to a friend (who BTW loved it, too!). And I am sorry, perhaps I am greedy, but I can't say no to a signed copy. I love Genevieve's books way too much!
The covers are both gorgeous. As I was reading Under The Same Sky I kept on pausing to glance at the front cover to admire the beautiful lady and the castle in the background. The colors.. the composition.. everything is just perfect! And it also gives you a sense of adventure.. you can practically feel it! And may I just say: I really appreciate the fact that the cover is NOT one of those cheesy romance ones, where you have a couple that is either kissing, hugging or staring in each others eyes with a dumb expression on their faces 😛 THANK YOU for that, dear mr. or mrs. book cover designer! 🙂
And also – I am going to be participating in the tour for Genevieve's second book and can you tell just how freaking excited that makes me? ^_______^ *happy dance*
And I'm just as freaking excited to have you on the tour with me, Evie!!! LOL It's going to be a crrrrrazy tour – have you seen it so far? http://www.genevievegraham.com/blog-tour.html
I think the covers are gorgeous too. Penguin did a beautiful job. I worry in a way that they send the message that the books are pure romance, which they're obviously not, but a lot of readers have picked up UTSS just because of how beautiful it is. For Sound of the Heart I had one plea for the book cover designer – PLEASE don't make him a Fabio and PLEASE keep his shirt on! I think he did a fabio-less (fabulous? does that work? HA!) job.
Hahaha! Oh, Genevieve, how much I love you! 🙂 I'm definitely super excited to be on the tour! Yes, it looks crazy and I think it's going to rock SO BAD! Can't wait 🙂
Penguin did a great job with the covers, they definitely feel more adventurous and mysterious than a typical romance books – and I love it! I just adore the castle in the background *_* And yes, the cover for Sound of the Heart is most delightfully Fabio-less! And just so swoon-worthy! Can't freaking wait to read the book <3
Under the Same Sky is one of the most riveting books I have read in a long time. Thank you so much Genevieve. You are amazing. I am so eager to read Dougal's story!!
Oh, I LOVE to hear that! It's hard for a first time author to know what to expect, but everyone has been so generous! All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you, and TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS! 😀
I think you'll like Dougal's story. He's adorable. And … I actually got brave and wrote my very first sex scene in it … *chewing my nails, awaiting people's thoughts on that*
Thanks for the chance to win this book! I like historical fiction because it's fun to read and I learn some history too! I too loved the Outlander series and was happy to see that you have a Highlander in yours too!
Thanks for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your further write ups thanks once again.
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