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:
I also blog every Friday at http://ReflectionsInHindsight.wordpress.com
and the second Wednesday of every month at http://ColonialQuills.blogspot.com
4 comments:
I'm really intrigued by your "Deer Run Saga" and I'm going to have to check it out. I loved finding out more about you, Elaine, and thanks, Theresa, for featuring Elaine today!
Theresa, thank you so much for your interview. I so appreciate being your featured author and pray that the Lord blesses your inspirational writing!
And Sandy, thank you for the words of encouragement! Blessings!
Great interview with Elaine! I enjoyed hearing more about her writing journey. So glad writing can be such a source of healing.
Blessings!
Nice interview for a lovely lady! Oh, I don't like these captcha things, ack!
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