Today I’m thrilled to have Allison Merritt author of The Convict and the Cattleman with me in the Blue Rose Writing Room.
Welcome Allison!
Do you use a pen name/pseudo name? If so, why.
I do write under a pen name. I found it a little strange to use my real name, not because I didn’t want people to know I was writing, but I feel more confident behind Allison Merritt. It looks prettier on a book cover than my real name too.
Can you tell us, how long you have been writing?
My interest started when I was in middle school and I majored in mass communications emphasis in print journalism in college, but it was a long time before I seriously started writing novels. I started The Convict and the Cattleman in late 2008, but didn’t finish it until January 2013 after a couple different drafts. Between those years, I worked on a series of steampunk romances, historical/paranormal romances, and a couple more straight historical romances.
What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing? One thing you can’t write without?
I hate it when the TV is on. I have a favorite chair in our living room. When the TV is on in there while I’m trying to write, it’s a terrible distraction. I like to have a drink and a snack nearby when I’m writing. Dry cereal is one of my favorite snacks, easy to grab between paragraphs.
What is one place you absolutely want to visit before you die?
I’ve written a book set in Australia and I’d love to visit. The Convict and the Cattleman is set in New South Wales and it’s my dream to go there one day.
Why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever written any other genre? Do you plan on doing so in the future?
Most of my favorite authors write about history. Louis L’Amour is a huge influence on my writing, as well as Linda Lael Miller. Writing historicals feels really natural to me. I’ve dabbled in contemporary romance and I’ve self-published a series of steampunk romances. I accidentally wrote a gothic romance (I assumed it was historical until my wise critique partner go a hold of it), and I just finished my second historical/paranormal romance. My goal for 2014 is to write a contemporary romance.
Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
I seldom read mysteries. I’m terrible at figuring out who-dunn-it, so I don’t bother. I don’t think I could ever write one either. I’m such a pantser, there’s no way I’d be able to make a mystery come together. Although, I should say never say never, because I didn’t think I’d ever write paranormals either.
What historical figure do you wish you could have met?
Teddy Roosevelt. I honestly thought that photo circulating the internet of him on a moose was real. I’m so disappointed it’s a fake. But Roosevelt was a great conservationist and I love nature. I think we’d have gotten along really well.
Tell us one unusual, weird, or curious fact you discovered while researching this book.
I knew Australia was settled largely by a convict population, but I had no idea that there were entire prisons dedicated to female convicts. Parramatta Female Factory is the one I chose to for my heroine’s imprisonment at the beginning of the book, but there were several throughout the country until most transportation ended in the mid-1800s.
Do you have a favorite quote?
“Courage, real courage, is no quick fix. It doesn’t come in a pill or a bottle. It comes from discipline, from taking everything life hands you and being your best either because of it or in spite of it.” – Ty Murray
Tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself.
I greatly dislike touching wet wooden spoons. I can get away with not owning any because science says wooden spoons harbor more germs than plastic or metal.
Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Belle
Favorite Fruit? Strawberries
Favorite Hero? Iron Man
Favorite Eye Color? Brown
Best Vacation Destination? Grand Cayman
Food you can’t stand? Sauerkraut
What annoys you? Cold weather!
Coffee, tea, or something else? Tea—Earl Grey
Nightgown or Jammies? Jammies
Prefer dogs or cats? Dogs
A bit about Allison
History has always held an allure for Allison Merritt. Stories about pioneers, cattlemen, and the people bold enough to conquer untamed lands have fueled her imagination since childhood. She attributes her love of history to hours of playing The Oregon Trail on an old Apple computer and reading Louis L’Amour novels. When the idea for The Convict and the Cattleman formed in her mind, she embraced the opportunity to write a romance novel set in a different kind of frontier. The characters may have traveled different roads getting to the Land Down Under, but they embody the same values and principles as Allison’s ancestors in America.
The blurb about The Convict and the Cattleman
His love is the key to her release.
Despite his reluctance to take in a convict, Jonah Andrus, a grazier and pioneer cattleman, needs a servant to care for his orphaned niece. When presented with Bridgit, who is far too beautiful and distracting, he initially tries to refuse. However, with a busy cattle station to oversee, he needs help right away.
Upon her first meeting with Jonah’s niece, Bridgit immediately falls in love with the girl and becomes entwined the mystery surrounding her birth. As she gets to know her employer better, Bridgit makes it her mission to remind him that family is priceless. When it seems as though she might have found the place she truly belongs, their love is threatened by lies and deceit, and both of them might lose everything they hold dear for a second time.
Enjoy an excerpt from The Convict and the Cattleman
“There, there. Bridgit will be along any second. She knows how to take care of you. Uncle Jonah will drop you. You’re too small.”
Surprised by his own admission, he stared helplessly at Olivia. When was the last time he’d paid her any attention? She’d grown and he hadn’t noticed. Babies did; he knew well enough from watching his calves during the summer. The baby he remembered was tiny, wrinkled and didn’t look like anyone. Charlotte, exhausted, but elated, had smiled proudly.
“Isn’t she beautiful, Jonah?”
Recalling her voice made his heart pound. The silly girl didn’t have a sense of shame. She’d been nervous when she admitted her tryst and the subsequent pregnancy, but she had defended her child. Not unlike one of his cows. They protected their young fiercely.
He hadn’t found the words to answer her question. All he saw was Rob Langnecker’s face. The desire to kill him had blotted out everything else. Langnecker had ruined his sister, left her alone with a bastard child and went off chasing other skirts. She’d died in the room where Bridgit slept, believing he’d come back for them.
If I ever catch him.
Jonah ran his hand down his face.
“Is something wrong?”
Bridgit’s warm hand closed around his. Pity shined in her eyes.
“The chores are waiting.” Clammy sweat dampened his shirt.
She tugged his hand. “You need to stay. You’ll regret it if you don’t. Go sit down.”
He didn’t understand why he obeyed, but he sat in the rocking chair by the window. His father had crafted it for his mother years before Jonah was born.
Bridgit lifted Olivia, nestling her into his arms. The cries eased to a whimper.
“Hold your arms like this. You’ve got to support her head.”
“I know.” Charlotte had insisted he hold Olivia hours after her birth. He remembered it clear as day. Accepting the chubby baby, he was surprised at her weight.
She’d been so small. “She’s healthy.”
It was more a question than a statement. Olivia gazed at him, eyes wide. Her fingers toyed with one of his buttons.
“Aye. Growing like a weed. She’s learning to roll over.” At his confused look, she explained, “That’s good. She’ll be crawling before long. She talks to me and follow things with her eyes. Everything she’s supposed to do.”
“Good. Charlotte would be glad.” His voice sounded choked and he cleared his throat, hoping Bridgit hadn’t noticed.
She lifted the bottle. “Here. Feed her. Tip it up, so the air gets in the bottle.”
He let her show him what to do, surprised again when Olivia grasped the bottle with her tiny hands. Her features were clearer now. Charlotte’s nose and chin. Those couldn’t be his ears, could they? Dark blue eyes stared up at him, then drifted shut as she suckled greedily. Her eyes were the only resemblance he could find to her father.
Bridgit kneeled beside the rocking chair and swept dark locks from the baby’s face. Her hand settled on his knee. “There. She’s happy now.” A wistful smile played across her face.
A jolt ran through him. With Olivia snuggled against his chest and Bridgit beside him, the moment belonged to a family man.
Here’s how you can contact Allison
Blog – havenovelwilledit.blogspot.com
Facebook – facebook.com/allisonmwrites
Twitter – twitter.com/allison_merritt
Google Plus – gplus.to/AllisonMerritt
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18444415-the-convict-and-the-cattleman
Thanks again, Allison, for joining me here today!
Buy Link
http://www.amazon.com/The-Convict-Cattleman-Allison-Merritt/dp/1493737430/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1390007064&sr=8-1&keywords=the+convict+and+the+cattleman
