Sunday, September 4, 2011

Interview with Susan Page Davis and giveaway of Captive Trail

Answer Susan's question at the end of the interview to be entered into a chance to win a copy of Captive Trail

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I love a good story. I have lots of ideas. When an editor likes one, that’s what I write. But I think, as varied as they are, all have in common a thread of hope and often forgiveness. Those are very important topics to me.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

Probably my wedding day. That was a long time ago, but it marks the beginning of a great partnership.

How has being published changed your life?

I’m now the main breadwinner of the family. That’s kinda scary. It means I spend a lot less time outside than I used to, too, and a lot less time on hobbies. But I love it anyway.

What are you reading right now?

Make a Scene, by Jordan Rosenfeld

What is your current work in progress?

I’m writing another western, but this one’s much lighter in tone. Lady in the Making will be the third in my new Prairie Dreams series. In it, a lady with a past has to convince a gentleman that she really is a lady now.

What would be your dream vacation?

Any place with lots of history. I’d love to see Maachu Pichu, for instance. Ruins rock.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Sometimes it’s chosen for me. With Captive Trail, the first thing we knew about our series was that it would be set in Texas. Other times I fall in love with a place and want to put some characters there. I have several books set in Maine, because I love it and know it so well.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

My daughter who lives in England. We hoped to go and visit her this year but were unable to do that.

What three things about you would surprise readers?

I used to shoe horses; I homeschooled my six children; and I am a stroke survivor.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Reading, genealogy, logic puzzles and ciphers. In the past I did a lot of needlework, but I haven’t had time for that lately.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Lack of time for the writing-related tasks such as reading galleys, critiquing for friends, filling out art sheets, and promoting my books. I just do what I can and accept that I’m not superhuman.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Read a lot. Write something every day. And grow a thick skin, so you’re ready to accept constructive criticism.


Tell us about the book.

Taabe Waipu has run away from her Comanche village and is fleeing south in Texas on a horse she stole from a dowry left outside her family’s teepee. The horse has an accident and she is left on foot, injured and exhausted. She staggers onto a road near Fort Chadbourne and collapses.

On one of the first runs through Texas, Butterfield Overland Mail Company driver Ned Bright carries two Ursuline nuns returning to their mission station. They come across a woman who is nearly dead from exposure and dehydration and take her to the mission.

With some detective work, Ned discovers Taabe Waipu’s identity. He plans to unite her with her family, but the Comanche have other ideas, and the two end up defending the mission station. Through Taabe and Ned we learn the true meaning of healing and restoration amid seemingly powerless situations.
Captive Trail is second in a six-book series about four generations of the Morgan family living, fighting, and thriving amidst a turbulent Texas history spanning from 1845 to 1896. Award-winning authors Vickie McDonough and Darlene Franklin also contribute to this series—we have two books each. And each book can be read on its own.


What do you want readers to take away from the book?

Forgiveness and reconciliation are vital in this book. And I hope they enjoy the story!


What one question would you like us to ask your readers?


Are you better at forgiving or at apologizing?

Tell us about the giveaway you’re offering.

We’re giving away a copy of Captive Trail.

12 comments:

Rebecca said...

I think that I am better at forgiving. I am bad at apologizing because I have to admit that I am wrong.

Thanks for the chance to win this. This looks like an amazing book. I would love to win this. Thanks again.

agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com

Marilynn Walton said...

I am probably better at forgiving. This CAN depend upon who I need to forgive or apologize to!

Diana Flowers said...

I'm such a softy, I think I'm better at forgiving, especially when someone apologizes to me; my heart melts.

Susan is one of my favorite authors! Read and reviewed her Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island...loved it!

dianalflowers[at]aol[dot]com

Wendy Newcomb said...

I think it is a tie with me, I forgive because it only takes "me" down if Idon't and I apologize, sometimes even if things aren't my fault. I always told my kids, you need to apologize even if it's not your fault, it makes you a better person, not better than the other person involved, but a better person as to who you are.

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Susan Page Davis said...

Wow, we have some very forgiving people here! That's wonderful. Of course, it's great to be able to apologize when it's needed too. Good to see you all here.

karenk said...

a great question...i think that i am better at apologizing.

thanks for the chance to read this wonderful novel.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Judy said...

I am better at apologizing. It seems like I'm always saying I'm sorry.

I find it hard to forgive at times but I know I have to. God commands this of us. It is so hard for me to get over hurts. I've just been hurt again lately and I can honestly say I have forgiven this person. I can't be around her right now but I hold no grudges in my heart.

I would love to win a copy of, Captive Trail.

God Bless!

judyjohn2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

Tracy Smith said...

I am most definitely better at apologizing, even when I am not in the wrong. I'm always saying I'm sorry for something it seems.

I would love to read this story. It looks wonderful!

countrysunset40 (at) aol dot com

Susan Page Davis said...

Great comments. Thanks everyone who participated. Forgiveness and sometimes seeing the need for it is often in play in my books. One exciting thing I learned yesterday--Captive Trail is now available as an eBook too. I think Moody Publishers has done a great job with producing and promoting this series. They are wonderful to work with.

Beth said...

I would say that I am better at apologizing...I don't like it when anyone is upset with me and I want to fix it right away! :)

Beth
bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

Thanks!

Patsy said...

I'm really not sure. It seems about equal most of the time. But I guess I would have to say forgiving.

Susan, I know Captive Trail will be great! You are a talented author.

plhouston(at)bellsouth(dot)net

Patricia said...

I am better at apologizing. I hope to think I am good at forgiving. At this time I do not have a giveaway to offer. I have the first book in series. Thanks for the giveaway! I would love a copy of this book.

plb1050 at gmail dot com

This Special Blessing for You Hardcover – Picture Book #childrensbook

  This Special Blessing for You  Hardcover – Picture Book, February 20, 2024 by  Eric Schrotenboer   (Author),  Meredith Schrotenboer   (Aut...