Answer Susan's question at the end of the interview (at http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/) to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Susan's book! Entries on Facebook do not count! Void where prohibited by law.
Interview—Susan Page Davis
Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island
Why do you write the kind of books you do?
Many reasons, but some of the top ones: I like to read these types of books; both history and mystery resonate with me and a lot of other readers; I write topics and genres that people want to buy and read; I want to encourage my readers and bring them a message of hope.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
Probably the day after my oldest child was born. (Not the day of.)
How has being published changed your life?
I spend a lot more time at home, since I no longer work as a news correspondent. I’ve met some wonderful people. And I have boxes and boxes of books in my family room.
What are you reading right now?
I’m reading The Amish Midwife, by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould, and A Cavalcade of Arizona History, by Marshall Trimble.
What is your current work in progress?
I’m working on Lady Anne’s Quest, the second in a new series called Prairie Dreams. In this series, Lady Anne Stone is searching for her uncle, the new Earl of Stoneford, who disappeared ten years ago into the American West.
What would be your dream vacation?
Doing The Amazing Race with my three sisters
How do you choose your settings for each book?
This one (Prince Edward Island) was chose for me by the editor, but I usually choose the setting that best presents the story I want to tell.
What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
Genealogy, embroidery, and logic puzzles.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it
Right now it’s having time to do all the writing-related chores. I have to set priorities and give up some activities.
Tell us about the book.
Prince Edward Island pulls out all the stops to prepare for the visit of Prince Albert Edward (Queen Victoria’s son, later King Edward VII) in 1860. Molly Orland, a farmer’s daughter, is hired as a housemaid at the governor’s mansion, where the prince and his entourage will stay. Peter Stark is sent ahead of the royal party to ensure the arrangements are in order. Though Peter and Molly are attracted to each other, there seems to be no future for them, since Peter must soon leave with his master, the Earl of Washburn, and Molly will lose her job if discovered to be engaging in a flirtation with one of the visitors. However, Molly’s family harbors a secret that connects her family to Washburn’s. Can she and Peter overcome the past and set right a 60-year-old wrong?
What do you want readers to take away from the book?
Forgiveness is always possible.
Where can reader's find you? www.susanpagedavis.com
What one question would you like us to ask your readers?
What do you hope to get from a novel when you read it?
23 comments:
Laughed at your "day after" answer...I imagine you're not the only one in that category!
Hmmm...what I want to take away from a novel? I'll admit that I use novels to escape from the regularity of my mundane life, so I consider it a huge compliment to an author who has me thinking about their characters and their stories even when I'm not reading about them! :o) I like to feel like I've "met" a new friend, or visited a place I've only dreamed of going. (And Susan's books give me that every single time...I just keep coming back for more!)
Christy
southernsassythings at gmail dot com
I always hope to finish a book inspired to make better choices and ultimately live as an inspiration to others. I look forward to reading about Prince Edward Island.
I like to feel like I have met new friends. By the time I have finished a book, I feel like I know the characters and they heve helped me go on a vacation.
I like to feel like I have met new friends and tey have helped me go on a little vacation to new places.
Life is hard lets face it. As a caregiver for my Mom who was diagnosed 2 years ago with Dementia I need to escape for awhile! Reading is my passion. I love Christian fiction because I know it will be good clean reading. What I hope to get out of a book when I read it is, I like it to challenge me in my daily living. Have I forgiven the person in my life that has hurt me. Do I speak kindly to others? Have I shown respect to someone today? I love a book that makes me laugh and cry! Mostly, I love happy endings!
To me I know I've read a good book when I feel connected to the characters and their lives, it just helps me disconnect from my hectic life and enjoy someone else's story! Reading a good book is like watching a good show for some people, I get invested and addicted to their lives! This books sounds really great, and I would love a chance to win it! Thanks
kcmelone(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like to be drawn in to the story and entertained. I love it when I feel like the characters are real people and that I know them.
wsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com
When I finish a book I want something memorable that sticks in my mind. I read so many books that they can blur together, but the best books are clear in my mind and I find myself wanting and needing to recommend the book to others.
When I am done reading a book I want to have had an enjoyable read but something that made me think. It is not often I read a book just to sit and vegetate. I want a real meaning from the book. And I have come to expect that from a lot of books. Even if it is just a Bible truth that struck home or I needed reminding of or a big thing like an answer I have been searching for, that is what I want out of a book.
I would love to be entered in this giveaway.
Thanks!
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com
Great discussion here! Christy, you got it--I've had six, and it does take a day or so to let it soak in! I too look to books for escape at times. Aren't they wonderful? Penelope, I love your insight. I think good reading can help us all make better choices. And Kimber--Yes! Reading a good book is like a mini-vacation.
Judy, thanks for your thoughtful answer. Those are good things to think about, and books can help us focus on things like forgiveness and kindness. Courtney and Camille--I'm with you! I get so invested in some characters I don't want to leave them when I finish the book. The well-drawn ones that I remember months and years later are the kind I want to put in my stories. Charity--very true. Books are enjoyment and escape, but if they give us something to think about too, that's a GOOD book.
Like listening to a country song, I like to get lost in the story, take a vacation from life.
Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com
It actually depends on the book that I am reading how I want to come away from the book feeling. Some books I enjoy learning things from especially historical fiction books. Other books I feel like I am now friends with the characters in the books and other books are just a escape.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
I hope to get a good story out of a novel... how's that for a generic answer?! For the story to be good, I have to connect with the character(s). If the characters aren't real, the story won't float for me.
twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com
I love to be carried away to another place, time or adventure and meet characters that encourage, entertain or edify me. I love how Christian fiction can draw me closer to God and leave me in awe about how wonderful He is.
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
Oh, yes, the story is the main thing! I doubt many people pick up a novel hoping to get life lessons from it--but isn't it wonderful the way God uses fiction to speak to our hearts? Great to see you all here. I'm working on my next historical. I'm supposed to be revising, but sometimes I get going in the story and forget I'm there to edit.
I love to read! I want to become a part of the lives of the people! I want to feel their happiness, sadness, joy and all the emotions! I want to travel with them in their Amish buggies and sit on their hard benches for 3 or more hours during the church service! With any book I read, I just want to be "taken away" to the land of the story.
(Laura, I just met you today! I am so excited to read your books. Thanks for being my friend). :)
I like to read for entertainment. I don't watch TV period, and find it is relaxing to read. I hope to find encouragement when I am down. It is fun to read about new places that I have never been to. I most likely will never go there, so I like to know what I am missing in other parts of the world.
I have read lots of Susan Page Davis's books and have greatly enjoyed them. Please enter me in the drawing for Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island.
Thanks for the chance to win.
Debbie Clark
debbiemcla(at)msn(dot)com
I appreciate all the encouragement given here! Some days I feel very isolated, and knowing there is such a wonderful community out there is a big boost. Blessings,
Susan
When I read a novel I hope to be entertained and encouraged. I like reading novels that teach me about times past and places I've never been. I also like novels that have a new story. I don't like reading a book and feeling like I've already read that story.
This sounds like a great book! I've always wanted to visit Prince Edward Island.
Thanks, Michelle! I know you would love it.
This was a very nice interview with Susan!
In answer to her question - I love to take away from a novel some new historical tidbits, and some lesson learned emotionally/spiritually that makes me think about my own life.
Thanks, Carla! Those are great things to find in a novel.
Post a Comment