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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Q&A with Susan May Warren - PLUS Book Giveaway!!!

Heiress
Yea! I'm so excited to be able to host this Q&A with Susan May Warren and book giveaway!

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How did this book come about?

I love history and especially the gilded age and longed to write a story set in this era. However, I love stories set with a biblical theme, so I applied the story of Jacob and Esau to two sisters living in the gilded age, with everything available to them but love. What lengths would they go to in order to find their happily ever after?

How did you weave fact and fiction in Heiress?

I try and weave as much fact into a story as possible – so all the research, from the houses, the clothing, the food, the lifestyle of the high society set is factual, as is the layout of the New York Chronicle (aka the Herald) as well as the life of the copper miners in Butte, Montana. The dinner with Roosevelt is factual, as well as the information about the buffalo herd. I took actual accounts of mine disasters as I plotted the catastrophes, and even took headlines from the New York Herald to craft the final plot.

How much research did you do for this story?

Reams. Everything required research,from the way they spoke, the food they ate, the customs of the times to the layout of the homes in 1890 NYC. I invested in a number of gilded age books and read about the lives of the Vanderbilts, the Astors and even Emily Post.

What do you hope the reader takes away with them after reading Heiress?

That God’s blessing doesn’t necessarily translate into wealth, and that it’s something deeper, something received because of His great love for us and nothing that we can do.

What is the next project you’re working on?

I just finished Baroness, the store of Rosie and Lilly, the daughters of Esme and Jinx. It’s due out in February2012. And my Christmas novella has just release, Baby, It's Cold Outside.

What do you do when you're not writing or when you need a break?

Watch Football. Or take a walk.

Heiress---

Book Giveaway!

One randomly selected winner will receive a copy of Heiress! I loved this book (you can read my review here) and highly recommend it!

Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter below (it might take a moment to load). Giveaway ends 11/08/11!    US residents only


Giveaway is CLOSED!






28 comments:

  1. FaithOctober 18, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    I love the new look alot! And bird is so cute! Just wanted to say how much I liked it :) And great interview!

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  2. Ryan BetestaOctober 18, 2011 at 4:43 PM

    Very good interview!!

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  3. MelanieOctober 18, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Faye - Thanks!

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  4. Christine A.October 18, 2011 at 5:04 PM

    I enjoyed the review and this book sounds great. I am looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  5. Courtney WalshOctober 18, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    Reading another Susie book right now! Loving it! :) Fun interview...thanks for sharing!

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  6. BethOctober 18, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    I'm really looking forward to reading this one! It sounds so good. I love the cover too. :)

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  7. SheriOctober 18, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    I love books by Susan May Warren and this new historical fiction book sounds great!

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  8. UnknownOctober 18, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    I haven't yet read any of Susan may Warren's books, and this one has me interested. Thanks for this opportunity!

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  9. Linda SimsOctober 18, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Susie is such a gifted writer! I'm looking forward to reading Heiress, as well as the new Christmas novella. *Ü*

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  10. Laura H.October 18, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway! This does sound like a great book. Count me in!

    BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

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  11. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 8:16 PM

    I love Susan May Warren's books and I'm looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Randi
    wpd_2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  12. Mary RobinsonOctober 18, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Since I know how Susie May thinks a little from our Monday nights, and she really was interested in what she wrote, I want the book! I am just finishing Donna F Crow's 2 Monastery Murders! Thanks!

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  13. The HerdOctober 18, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    I love Susie May Warren's life story...her books are great b/c of this!!

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  14. AnonymousOctober 18, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    I love Susan May Warren's books! She writes so well, I get absorbed in every story immediately. This next book looks fantastic and the story plot has me interested.

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  15. Rachelle Sperling, FL, USAOctober 19, 2011 at 2:31 AM

    I love reading Susan May Warren's books. I'm reading "Baby It's Cold Outside" now and would love to read this one too.

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  16. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 4:54 AM

    Like the look of your site and the cute little bluebird of happiness winging its way along as you read, the books sounds interesting and would love to be in your drawing, thanks for sharing your books and talks with authors. Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  17. Sandra OrchardOctober 19, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    Great interview, Melanie. I'm a big fan of Susie's.

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  18. Kayla EklundOctober 19, 2011 at 4:25 PM

    great interview,

    kaylalovesandrew09@yahoo.com

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  19. LeahOctober 19, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    Oh I cant wait to read this!
    I love the cover!!!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    015browneyes(at)gmail(dot)com

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  20. RebeccaOctober 21, 2011 at 1:51 AM

    I loved Out of Control. Rafe was awesome Susan. I would love to win.

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  21. Krystal LarsonOctober 21, 2011 at 8:34 PM

    Loved the interview, thank you very much for the chance to win!

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  22. What's Beyond Forks?October 22, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Heiress sounds great! Thank you for the opportunity to win it :o)

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  23. Mary @SweepingMeOctober 22, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win! Great interview.

    Mary

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  24. UnknownOctober 29, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    I love these kinds of books! Looks great! Thanks for the awesome review/giveaway!

    katierox4you@yahoo.com

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  25. MaureenTNovember 5, 2011 at 8:36 AM

    I really enjoy Susan May Warren's books. It is very true that the Grass is always greener on the other side!

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  26. Carrie at In the Hammock BlogNovember 5, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    thank you for this awesome contest! i've read a lot of great reviews for this book.

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  27. KarrieannNovember 6, 2011 at 8:52 AM

    With reading your interview, I learned that Susan is the same author of "Baby, Its Cold Outside.

    I have not read any of her books... yet!

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  28. apple blossomNovember 7, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    I have seen this book on many blogs would love to win it thanks for the chance.

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment - I love reading them! Comments are moderated and I reserve the right to not publish any comment that I find to be offensive (i.e. foul language, inappropriate content, etc.) or spam.

Thanks for stopping by and for commenting! =)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ~ Philippians 4:8