Hello Readers,
I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely loving the early fall weather. The sunshine and slightly cooler temperatures get me excited to learn new things and find new authors. Today, I am so happy to share an interview with a new to me author who I am happy to be working with at Scrivenings Press. She writes historical fiction, and these stories set during the American Revolution sound fascinating.
Award-winning author, Elaine Marie Cooper, never thought she’d see her name listed on published books. Now researching her seventh novel and eighth book, she is too caught up in her passion to write to stop any time soon. She says the Lord called her to create books and she’ll obey that calling until He says to stop.
Her most recent releases are “Scarred Vessels,” winner of the 2021 Selah Award, and “Love’s Kindling,” finalist in the 2020 Selah Award, and Book 1 in the Dawn of America series.
Her only non-fiction release is the memoir of her daughter, Bethany who passed away from a brain tumor in 2003. It was also a Selah Winner in 2015.
Cooper is a mom of 2 grown sons and GiGi to 5 of “the most beautiful grandchildren ever.”
Me: Hi Elaine, I am so happy to meet you and find out about your books. To start with, we’d like to know what inspired you to write you latest book.
Elaine: I was inspired to write “Scarred Vessels” by my son who is in the military. One day we were chatting on the phone and he said, “Mom, you should write about the black soldiers in the American Revolution.” A light bulb went off in my head as I knew right away he had presented a great idea. What I didn’t realize was the surprising research that I unearthed that revealed a whole new aspect of the northern colonies. Namely, they were just as involved in slavery as the southern colonies were. I was, quite frankly, shocked and saddened. I’d grown up in Massachusetts and didn’t realize anything about this. It was definitely an eye opener.
Me: I know how busy the life of an author can be. So, what happens if you suddenly have an open day with nothing scheduled?
Elaine: Ah, a day with no set schedule! They are few and far between so they are a treasure! I would likely see if a friend wanted to go to coffee OR curl up and do some cross stitch OR read a good book.
Me: Ha, you are like me, so many ideas, so little time, even on “free” days. On the writing days, what type of music sparks your creative process?
Elaine: My favorite background music when writing is instrumental Celtic. It is soothing and relaxing, and puts me in the perfect mood to write. It is important that the music is instrumental only as lyrics tend to be disruptive.
Me: What is the favorite feedback you have gotten from a reader?
Elaine: I will never forget a reader who read my memoir, “Bethany’s Calendar.” It had taken her a year after the passing of her own daughter, to feel ready to read my book. After she finished it, she wrote to me right away to tell me that my book had changed her life. Nothing could have pleased me more, then helping a reader through such a difficult time in her life.
Me: Yes. I think that’s why we all do what we do. I am so glad she shared her reaction with you. Every day has its blessings. What is the most amazing thing you have seen so far today?
Elaine: Probably the most amazing thing I’ve seen today are my numerous papers being whittled down into manageable bins and organized! LOL! Organization is not my strength and it always challenges me to not be overwhelmed by reams of important “stuff” including research materials. After completing 8 books, one can imagine the collection. Not to mention all my books!
Me: Yes. That would be beyond amazing at my house! So far, I have depended on folders in my computer, but sometimes, remembering how my mind was working on the day I filed it is a challenge!
Now, readers, here is the special treat I teased about. Elaine has not one, but two fascinating historical novels to tell us about today. I hope you enjoy reading the short blurbs, and then head to Amazon and get yourself a copy. Autumn is the time for adventure.
During the American Revolution, Aurinda Whitney lives with her unloving father, an embittered veteran of the previous war. Blaming Aurinda for the death of his wife in childbirth years before, he convinces Aurinda she is unworthy of love.
Zadok Wooding believes he is a failure as he tends the smithy at home while others go to battle against the British. Just when he has an opportunity to become a hero, he is blinded in an accident. Now he fears he will never live up to the Biblical “mighty man of valor” for whom he was named.
When the two meet, both are challenged to overcome adversity as well as their inadequacies. Can they look past their circumstances to heal—and find love?
Love’s Kindling: Cooper, Elaine Marie: 9781649170989: Amazon.com: Books
In 1778 Rhode Island, the American Revolution rallies the Patriots to fight for freedom. But the slavery of black men and women from Africa, bartered for rum, is a travesty that many in America cannot ignore. The seeds of abolition are planted even as the laws allowing slavery in the north still exist.
Lydia Saunders, the daughter of a slave ship owner, grew up with the horror of slavery. It became more of a nightmare when, at a young age, she is confronted with the truth about her father’s occupation. She is burdened with the guilt of her family’s sin as she struggles to make a difference in whatever way she can. When she loses her husband in the battle for freedom from England, she makes a difficult decision that will change her life forever.
Sergeant Micah Hughes is too dedicated to serving the fledgling country of America to consider falling in love. When he carries the tragic news to Lydia Saunders about her husband’s death, he is appalled by his attraction to the young widow. Micah wrestles with his feelings for Lydia while he focuses on helping the cause of freedom. He trains a group of former slaves to become capable soldiers on the battlefield.
Tensions both on the battlefield and on the homefront bring hardship and turmoil. When Lydia and Micah are faced with saving the life of a black infant in danger, can they survive this turning point in their lives?
Awesome! Loved Love’s Kindling.
Thank you Donna! That blesses me! You’ll be entered in a drawing to win a book!