Meet Elaine Marie Cooper

Today I would like to introduce you to my friend,  Elaine Marie Cooper.

Bio: Elaine Marie Cooper is a Christian, wife, mom to two grown sons, and a GiGi to triplet grandchildren. She is also a registered nurse. Her first novel (The Road to Deer Run) was a finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards; her second novel (The Promise of Deer Run) won first place in the Romance category at the 2012 Los Angeles Book Festival and was a finalist in religious fiction for the 2012 ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year contest.

Let's visit with this award winning author.

Where do you live and what do you like to write?

I live in Iowa—right in Middle America—but I grew up in Massachusetts. Because I was surrounded early in my life by the historical sites of the American Revolution, I developed a keen interest in the history of our country. So I guess it is not surprising that the era of Colonial America and the founding of this nation is on the top of my list for favorite topics to write about!

So far, I have written four historical novels. The first three are a series, the Deer Run Saga. They include The Road to Deer Run, The Promise of Deer Run, and The Legacy of Deer Run. It follows a family (loosely based on my own ancestors) through three generations, starting in 1777. My latest historical novel was just written and is based on a true incident during the American Revolution. More information will be forthcoming. J

When did you decide to be a writer and why?

As long as I can remember, I felt drawn toward writing. When I was a child, I would write short stories, poetry, even a TV script for a favorite show. As an adult, I began freelancing for two local newspapers and eventually started writing features for magazines. But it was not until a personal tragedy in my own life happened that I felt drawn to write a novel. In fact it was the fourth anniversary after my daughter died from a brain tumor, that the Lord seemed to beckon my heart toward writing about my ancestors in a fictitious form. I felt completely driven to accomplish this “calling.” I wrote and researched for nearly two years while working full time as a nurse. Then the first book turned into a series of three books. And on it goes…

What is the message of your writing?

 

Besides wanting to teach my readers about what life was like in Colonial America, my books all touch on themes of redemption and forgiveness. I hope that readers come away with renewed faith that, even in the most difficult of circumstances, God can give us the strength to survive and thrive.

Who is your main audience?

Most of my readers are adult women but I have also found fans of my writing among men and teenagers.

Tell us about your newest release.

 

The Legacy of Deer Run is Book 3 in the Deer Run Saga and takes place in 1800 in Springfield, Massachusetts. It involves intrigue and romance, transgressions and trials—all mingled with a terrorist plot at the Armory where the nation’s weapons are forged. I was very excited to do my first book signing for this release at the Springfield Armory, which is now a National Historic Site.

Has your writing appeared elsewhere?

I have a devotional published in Edie Melson’s Fighting Fear, Winning the War at Home, which is an inspirational journey for families with loved ones who are deployed. I am anticipating another devotional being published in an upcoming release called Happy Bones, by Becky Jacoby. This is a devotional for dog lovers and, since I have had dogs most of my adult life, I guess I qualify. J

Do you have any advice for new writers?

Subscribe to Cec Murphy’s blog: http://cecmurpheyswritertowriter.blogspot.com. Mr. Murchy offers the most practical and helpful tips on writing that you will find anywhere.

Where can you be found?

My website is: http://DeerRunBooks.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/elainemariecooper

http://www.facebook.com/ElaineMarieCooperAuthor

I also blog every Friday at http://ReflectionsInHindsight.wordpress.com and the second Wednesday of every month at http://ColonialQuills.blogspot.com