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Monday, November 21, 2011

Interview with Roseanna White

Roseanna M. White is the author of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland
Published by: Summerside Press
Date: 1 December 2011
Roseanna is also the author of two other books, both Biblical novels from WhiteFire Publishing, Her website is http://www.roseannamwhite.com/wordpress/

Roseanna, what got you interested in the colonial time period?
Actually, it was my interest in Annapolis itself that led me to this time period. I lived, worked, and attended college in historic Annapolis, and I fell in love with its charm and history. Intrigued to realize it had been the fledgling nation’s capital for six months in 1783-84, I dreamed of writing a story set there during that eventful period. When Summerside asked if I had any ideas for historical romances set in Maryland (after rejecting a contemporary, LOL), I pitched this idea, even though my agent at the time felt the setting was a long shot. To our delight, they loved it! And so I dove into all things Colonial/Early Federal.
It actually took me a while to really love it. At first the fashion seemed weird to me, I thought the powdered wigs were crazy, I wrinkled my nose at some of the customs, and I just couldn’t get my head out of the 19th century, which I had been writing in for years. But as I wrote my story and became more immersed in the time period, I really came to appreciate and adore it. So much so that I followed it promptly with another story set in 1780, which will be releasing from a different publisher 1 January 2013, in a year and a few odd weeks. =)

What inspired your latest colonial work?
Silly as it sounds, I was reading a romance right after college that had two secondary characters who were engaged but cool with one another. At the end of the book, they ended their betrothal, and the next book in the series was about the woman finding her “true” love now that she was free of the expected commitment. But what, I wondered, if they had stuck it out? What if they had fought to find that love with each other? What if her feelings hadn’t been mistaken at the start, but were mistaken now? And so I had the premise of Love Finds You in Annapolis—the story of a heroine who’s heart was broken by the hero at the beginning, and of a hero who decides to fall in love with his betrothed and discovers far more than he ever thought possible, something only the Lord could have given.

Do you have a favorite colonial place you like to visit and why?
Well, I do love visiting the historic district of Annapolis. It has some of the oldest remaining Colonial architecture in the country, and is just gorgeous to stroll through. All the street signs even have details on them about what the streets were formally called and when they were named! 
But a little closer to my current home in Western Maryland is Old Bedford Village in Pennsylvania. I visited this recreated town over the summer with my kids and just loved seeing the old buildings, the re-enactors, and getting a feel for everyday life in colonial days. My post about it was on the Quill a while back and can be seen here: http://colonialquills.blogspot.com/2011/10/in-ye-olden-days-hold-your-nose-put-on.html

Roseanna, do you have a favorite colonial recipe you enjoy? Would you care to share it with CQ readers?
Sure! Since it’s the holiday season, I’ll share a wassail recipe. From what I read, the kind that the poor took around and sold to the wealthy in the 1780s was actually a white, milky version not known for its yumminess, LOL, so I’ll share instead a good version for your Christmas party, which can be left to simmer in a crockpot and is basically a mulled cider.

Readers, you can find Roseanna’s recipe for wassail this coming Saturday on CQ.

Giveaway: This giveaway is twofold! First, anyone who comments here (please leave an email address) is entered to win a copy of Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland.
 

In addition, anyone who comments on this post (including Colonial Quill members) will be entered to win Roseanna's Great Annapolis Giveaway, pictured here. And there are more ways to rack up the entries, as this giveaway is ongoing! See Roseanna's blog for details: http://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/p/great-annapolis-giveaway.html

33 comments:

  1. I love the interview!
    LFYI Annapolis already was on my wishlist for Christmas, but after reading this interview I'm even more curious about the book! Can't wait to read it!

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  2. Great Interview! I so agree about the powdered wigs. That's one fashion I'll never understand! Thanks for entering me in the drawing, it sounds like a book I'll enjoy.

    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  3. Thanks for visiting, Marian and Pegg! Gotta say, I'm getting really excited as the days count down to the book's release! And yeah, we'll just leave those powdered wigs in the 18th century where they belong. ;-)

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  4. Well, CQ will turn me into a colonial lover yet. I'll have to add Rosanna's book to my TBR pile. Sounds intriguing. Nice interview.

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  5. I have to agree that it's hard to get into the 18th century books, but knowing the calibre of writer that you are, Roseanna,I don't think I'll have a problem with this one :)

    I love the detail about the street signs you mentioned!

    homesteading[at]charter[dot]net

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  6. Thanks for sharing about Old Bedford Village...we're in PA but hadn't heard of it.

    I don't get the wigs either! derekannette at gmail dot com

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  7. I am sorry to say that my one and only trip to Annapolis was so short that I did not have a chance to visit the wonderful historical sites. I must go back! And I would love to win this book and be entered in this giveaway. And congratulations, Roseanna, on your new release!

    elainemariecooper(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  8. I have got to get my review up of this sparkling new book! I seriously doubt it will generate the excitement we colonial ladies had when the Romantic Times review came out!!! Someone please feel free to be my accountability partner on this lol!

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  9. Elaine, yes, you MUST go back!! ;-) Annapolis is just such a picturesque, charming city. Love it.

    Annette, Old Bedford Village is definitely a fun stop. Though we went on a 100+ degree day, and I ended up carrying my 3-year-old much of the way, which wasn't all that fun, LOL. I enjoyed it far more than they did at this point. ;-)

    And look, two Annes in a row! And we will turn you BOTH into Colonial fans, just you wait and see! ;-) If it can happen to me, it happen to anyone, LOL. There's a charm to the era that I seriously hope I brought to life adequately. I don't have any other books set in this era right now (barring the one that will come out January 2013), but I'm hoping to revisit it.

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  10. Loved this interview! I was born in College Park, Maryland, and lived there off an on througout my life, so Maryland is very close to my heart. Thanks for the opportunity to win LFYIAM.

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  11. Oops...forgot my email. :-)

    gwen[dot]gage[at]gmail[dot]com

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  12. Susan Craft said ...
    Nice interview, Roseanna. I look forward to reading Love Finds You in Annapolis. I've always loved historical fiction and never really had a favorite era, until I researched and wrote about 1700s colonial America. I'm thinking my novels from now on will be in that era. There's something about it that tugs at my heart -- even the wigs! :-)

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  13. I have a feeling this book is really going to launch Roseanna's writing career further. She's only in her 20's, has already written twenty books, has published two biblical era books and launched her own publishing company with her husband. Plus she is a non-Diva, very sweet, and willing to help others, and has such a heart for God. He is just going to keep blessing her I think for her faithfulness!

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  14. Aw, thanks, Carrie! What a touching, blessing thing to say. You're on my "thankful for" list, along with all the other Quillers!

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  15. I enjoyed this interview, thanks so much! I am glad to meet Roseanna and hear about her book. :) It sounds wonderful.

    Would love to be entered in the giveaway. Thanks for doing it!

    Happy Thanksgiving,
    Karen
    klange61(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  16. Talk about a great premise and keeping those characters apart! This is a great book, I'm so very much enjoying it. Your interview is so interesting. I'm enjoying getting to know you better, Roseanna! It is so cool to see how the Lord uses so many of our experiences to shape who we are and as authors, give us great stuff for our books! Blessings!!

    Carla

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  17. i loved this interview...can't wait to read you latest masterpiece, roseanna :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  18. Hey, my "shine" girl! Super congrats on LFY in Annapolis, Roseanna! I'm so excited for you! If any of you haven't read Jewel of Persia, by Roseanna White, you are missing out on a fantabulous (my made up word) read. She is one great little author, and I quite agree with Carrie, she IS a sweetheart! Am I safe to assume there is no Spanish in this one? (inside joke, folks.) LOL! ~Blessings to you, Roseanna!

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  19. I love all the books in the Love Finds You series! This looks like a great addition!

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  20. Oh I can't wait to read this one....I love reading about the good ole days, I have a lot of respect for those ladies, don't think I could have made it in those days. Thanks for the interview Carrie and Roseanna. tsmathews61@gmail.com

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  21. Roseanna, you've piqued my interest. I love looking at Colonial archecture as well and picturing myself living in one of those old home.

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  22. Isn't the Love Finds You series fun, April? =) I'm so thrilled to be a part of it!

    Gwendolyn, I just realized I didn't reply to you this morning when I checked in--shame on me! ;-) I love "meeting" other MD natives! And isn't fun to read a book set in an area you know?? (By the way, I adore your name! Making a note of it for a future characters . . .)

    Susan, here's the question--do you love the wigs enough to wear them?? I know there are those who do . . . if you're one of them, I have a few questions!

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  23. Karen L and Karen K, I'm so glad you stopped by! I hope you both have a fabulous Thanksgiving. =)

    Teresa, I love those good ol' days too. Though for the record, I'll just keep my indoor plumping, shower, hot water, air conditioning, and electricity in general, thanks. ;-)

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  24. Diana, LOL. No Spanish in this one, no. ;-) A couple lines of French though! (But I should totally work in an Antonio-worthy Desperado man into my work-in-progress, LOL.) Shine on, my friend!

    And all you Quillers I see, thanks so much for stopping by!!

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  25. Oh, absolutely, Roseanna, and then you'll have to mention your amiga in the acknowledgments. That's Diana, with one "n" btw.;)

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  26. I first met Roseanna at the Oregon Christian Writers conference in August. Spending more time with her through this interview renews the joy of our acquaintance. Thus far, one of our three daughters is a fan of Roseanna.
    Colonial America holds wonderful treasures and fascinating tales. Thanks for Colonial Quills. I am a follower.

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  27. Love how your idea came about and your little giveaway set is so cool! Just looking at it drew my attention over here, I hope I can come up with something that cool to giveaway!

    rmjagearsATgmailDOTcom

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  28. I had fun putting it together, Melissa! =)

    And Mark, it was great meeting you in Oregon. Enjoy the CQ! These ladies are such a treasure trove of information--it's a real honor to be numbered among them!

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  29. Congrats Annette on winning Roseanna White's Love Finds You in Annapolis Maryland! Annette has a blog, too http://www.livelearnlove226.blogspot.com/
    Check your gmail, Annette! Blessings from all of us at CQ!

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  30. I found your yummy recipe now I just may have to make it.

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  31. I'll be making it next week too, Apple Blossom. I'll let you know how it is. ;-)

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  32. Wassail recipe! I'll have to go looking for it; thanks. I love historical fiction, my very favorite I look for. I would love to win this book!
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  33. Your inspiration for the book isn't silly. I love stories where the heros and heroines decide to stick and fight for something that initially doesn't seem worthy fighting for. :)

    writer.chicka[at]gmail.com

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