PT: So tell us how you came to be a Historical writer.
KLM: I grew up in a town saturated
with history, from the Revolutionary War (Battle of Newtown) to the Civil War
(Elmira Military Rendezvous and Civil War POW camp). I heard local stories of
Underground Railroad-era hidden tunnels through people’s cellars, and it all
became so vivid in my imagination. I was hooked! Soon I began to dream up
stories of young ladies and young
gentlemen, which forced me to dig deeper to get the nuance of dress,
mannerisms, transportation, and all the historical minutiae accurate, to tell
their stories well.
PT: Let your readers have a peek
where your favorite location to write, get creative ideas.
KLM: I write wherever I can find a few
minutes of peace and quiet. We have a busy house. Four dogs, four cats, three
kids, and a husband who is a darling but sometimes competes for my attention. So favorite location to write is away from
distraction. Is there such a place in this connected world?
Where do I get my ideas? Often I
literally dream them at night. Sometimes I see a photo on Pinterest that
captures my imagination. Or if I’m at an estate sale or shop and see an
intriguing antique.
PT: Pet Lover or no? Tell us if you
do.
KLM: That would be a huge yes. Maybe a
little on the extreme, but NOT building an ARK yet. Check back with me in a
few.
We are owned by Newfoundlands.
They are a giant, fluffy water rescuing dogs. Think of black St. Bernards
without the snow or the rum. And then in the feline department, we have two
tuxedo cats, and two all-black cats.
PT: What are you working on now?
Edits? New story? New idea?
KLM: I want to finish book three in the Sons of the Shenandoah series, but I have this other book intruding on my focus. It’s a medieval in the way that the Princess Bride is, with castles and knights and princesses, but with a twist. Each main character has a quirk that back then would have been very misunderstood. Today we call some of these quirks developmental disability, or Traumatic brain injury, or narcolepsy, or… you get the idea. It’s a fun story about accepting others’ differences and a romance and an epic adventure and allegory all in one. And it might just be bigger than I am able to tame, but I’m hooked. No turning back now.
KLM: I want to finish book three in the Sons of the Shenandoah series, but I have this other book intruding on my focus. It’s a medieval in the way that the Princess Bride is, with castles and knights and princesses, but with a twist. Each main character has a quirk that back then would have been very misunderstood. Today we call some of these quirks developmental disability, or Traumatic brain injury, or narcolepsy, or… you get the idea. It’s a fun story about accepting others’ differences and a romance and an epic adventure and allegory all in one. And it might just be bigger than I am able to tame, but I’m hooked. No turning back now.
PT: Give us the best comment you’ve ever
had from a reader:
KLM: I’m paraphrasing, but I had one
reviewer say they hated my hero and my heroine and wanted to knock their heads
together, but they couldn’t put it down because “the writing, the writing the
writing.”
I’ll take that as a compliment. 😉
PT:Share with us your favorite Bible
verse right now.
KLM: I’ve been thinking a lot about
the one in Micah lately. My new novella Bachelor Buttons has me thinking
about human nature and what makes one person feel entitled to loot and riot under
unjust circumstances, while another person in those same difficulties and
uncertainties decides to be a force for good and not evil. I think this scripture
sums it up.
Micah 6:8-10 New King James Version
(NKJV)
8 He
has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
If we want to please the Lord, we don’t seek our own, but to
please Him and to serve others.
PT: As I sit at my window and watch
the last of winter battling the arrival of spring, tell us which is your favorite season and tell
why: Spring, summer, fall, or Winter?
KLM: Oh, this is the hardest question!
I love many things about all four. I live in upstate New York where we have
four very distinct seasons, and I look forward to spring flowers, winter
snowstorms all cozied up inside with hot coffee and a good book, or swimming
and hiking in the summer, and of course the cooler temps and glorious colors of
fall. God shows off and gives us joy in each season of life. I think He knew
the way humans would always need something to look forward to.
PT: My favorite parts! Tell 5 things
about Kathleen L. Maher that have nothing to do with writing.
KLM: I was a single mom for seven
years before I met Mr. Maher, the real hero in my story.
I was raised by a single mom who
will forever be my heroine.
I love to draw and paint, and I
have my own art page on Facebook.
I love to sing. Before asthma and
allergies took their toll, I was pretty good. Now I just sing worship too
loudly in our small church. Poor
Pastor. LOL
Gardening and preserving my own
food has become a growing interest to me. Each year I try something new—peach
preserves last year, and this year, my own elderberry syrup, Lord willing.
And here is what you've been waiting for! The cover of Kathleen's new book.
And here is what you've been waiting for! The cover of Kathleen's new book.
 |
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The
daughter of immigrants who fled the Irish Potato Famine, Rose Meehan longs for
a better life than the tenements of New York City. Courted by two men--a young
doctor who represents material security, and a poor violin instructor who has
captured her heart--she must choose between the two. When Manhattan explodes in
mob rule following Lincoln's unpopular draft, Rose’s decision could mean the
difference between life and death.
Kathleen
L. Maher’s Author bio:
"Where
every underdog has his day."
Kathleen L. Maher’s first crush was Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved conflicted heroes ever since. She has two novellas in BARBOUR BOOKS' collections: Victorian Christmas Brides and Lessons on Love. Winner 2012 ACFW Genesis Award. Author of Sons of the Shenandoah Series: The Abolitionist's Daughter and The Chaplain's Daughter.
Kathleen and her husband live in an old farmhouse in upstate NY with their children and a small menagerie.
Kathleen L. Maher’s first crush was Peter Rabbit, and she’s loved conflicted heroes ever since. She has two novellas in BARBOUR BOOKS' collections: Victorian Christmas Brides and Lessons on Love. Winner 2012 ACFW Genesis Award. Author of Sons of the Shenandoah Series: The Abolitionist's Daughter and The Chaplain's Daughter.
Kathleen and her husband live in an old farmhouse in upstate NY with their children and a small menagerie.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-L-Maher/e/B00D8EXO80/
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kathleenlmaher/boards/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2531698-kathleen-l
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathleen-l-maher
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kathleenlmaher/boards/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2531698-kathleen-l
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/kathleen-l-maher
