ABOUT THE BOOK
Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
I always longed to move back to WNC. I did get an opportunity to do so in 2015. I am so happy to return to the mountains. It is not only the beauty of the mountains that influences my writing, but also the language and culture of the Appalachian area. The Appalachian area, up until around the time of WWII, was extremely isolated. The "Auld English" was still spoken with little outside influence. This is from the original settlers here migrating from Scotland, Ireland and England for the most part.
I have always been fascinated by language and the folk songs and ballads from the regions, which came from the areas I mentioned above. My mother was a classical pianist; she raised me on fine classical music. It included the music of Joan Baez and other folk players. I loved the stories the songs told, and I know this music has influenced my writing. I raised my daughter on Joan Baez, and she encouraged by my mother, has become a very talented acoustical guitarist, and I am very proud of her.
I realized later in life that writing was my passion. I now aspire to become a fully self-supporting writer and achieve financial independence through this passion.
What inspired you to author this book?
This particular book started with a short story. The story was well-received, and I really loved the main character of Dorothy. I felt like I could take her farther. I began writing the rest of the story. It has been a long journey to the end. I suppose I have worked on this novel on and off for the last twenty years. I woke up one day and decided that if I was ever going to publish it, I needed to get going. I spent some time with the book and the night of my Aunt Peggy's funeral, I finished it, while alone with my dog in the motel room. I had finally taken Dorothy to the end of her first adventure.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book's cover?
I made the book cover myself. I used scrapbook paper and plaid cloth from the themes in the book. Since there is an amulet in the book, I created one according to my vision and used an old costume jewelry chain from my paternal grandmother. I put it all together, framed the picture, placed the amulet on a necklace display, arranged the plaid with the heather and thistles. I photographed it and adapted it for the cover. I really enjoyed making my own mixed media cover.
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
I have been blessed with many influences. My maternal grandmother was an English teacher, as was my mother. I was reading at four years old, thanks to my mother. These two were of significant influence to me. My mother is a writer and chronicler of family history, and I have edited her writings. I had two excellent English teachers in school. One was Mrs. Lucy Ross. She made me learn proper English, albeit against my will. I credit her with my command of the language. I am still in touch with her, and she is very proud of my writing. I had another teacher for Senior English. Her name was Mrs. Elenor Marshall-White. She was very encouraging of my writing; in fact, she told one of her classes that I was a writer and would one day write a book. I am glad I made her prediction come true. Together they were catalysts to my writing.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
Earning a living has gotten in the way of this and other creative projects. It is unfortunate that the Arts in the United States are not funded like they are in Europe and other countries. Grants are few now, and there is much competition for them. I have worked, owned three businesses (which the Recession gobbled up,) won and lost jobs. When the Recession robbed me of EVERYTHING I had earned, I decided that I was going to try the one thing I really love. That is writing. I still have to work and earn a living, but I make time for my writing.
Tell your readers about your book.
Following a painful divorce, Dr. Dorothy Jarrod, archaic language specialist, has accepted a secondary position in a faraway, minor community college to escape her embarrassment at the betrayal of her ex-husband in her North Carolina hometown. She is surprised as an invitation to join an archeological dig in Scotland presents itself just as life seems to be beating her down. Her old graduate school professor needs her language skills to try and decode some stone tablets, at least that is what he says.
She gets on the plane to a new life and adventure. She makes a
friend in Jim Buchanan from Edinburgh. He is a civil engineer, yet there is
more below the surface of his role in this new experience. Along the way, people and events from the past start to appear in her dreams.
The closer she gets to the meaning of the tablets, the more visions of the past
intrude on her present life, sapping her strength.
Soon all will be revealed as Dorothy steps into power and control as the state of good and evil hangs in the balance.
Who is your target audience, and why?
I believe that this book would be interesting to anyone from 18 to 65 + as it tells a story of suspense and history. It isn't targeted to any particular demographic.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
My ability to recreate myself when things change. I start over and create another avenue to begin again.
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
I think my command of languages and my ability to see the origin of the words give me a certain edge.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR