I’m thrilled to welcome, Magnolia Belle, author of Lady Gwendolyn to The Blue Rose Writing Room today!
Do you use a pen name?
Yes, I use a pen name. My husband and I are private people.
That’s the same reason why I have a pen name. Can you tell us how long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing novels since 2005. I’ve written lyrics and poetry for as long as I can remember.
What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing? One thing you can’t write without?
I can’t stand to have the TV on, or people talking around me. I can’t hear what my characters are saying that way. I can’t write without my laptop. Writing by hand is too slow, and I can’t read it later.
I’m chuckling. I have to have silence too, and I don’t dare try to write by hand. Illegible! So, 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?
I have written a series of historical novels based in Texas, which is where I’m from. My ancestors settled here in the early 1800s.
I’ve also written modern day romance series “Black Wolf” involving an R&B band based in Austin, TX. I have one more of that series to write before it’s done. Then I have a historical novel set in Colorado in 1850, “Mountain Man Kate”, which involves the Lakota Sioux.
They all sound fascinating. Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?
I don’t like reading or writing erotica or horror. I don’t liked being shocked. To me, that’s not entertainment.
I don’t read either, myself. Tell us one unusual, weird, or curious fact you discovered while researching this book.
I always assumed (from Hollywood and cultural bias) that people in the early medieval times were dirty and avoided baths. Not so. Evidence has been found that at least the wealthy bathed with soap and used scented oils, such as cloves or attar of roses in their water.
Isn’t it interesting what you unearth while doing research? What are you most proud of about your writing?
I hear from people all the time that they find themselves not reading, but participating in the action. They can’t put the book down. To connect that strongly with a stranger gives me a huge sense of accomplishment.
There is something wonderfully fulfilling about your readers connecting with your story. How do you respond to negative reviews?
I’ve had a few and consider it a rite of passage. You can’t please everybody. It took a while for me to not give those reviewers’ opinions too much weight.
I’ve always been told, a few negative reviews give more credence to the positive ones. As you say, they are a rite of passage. Can you tell us something unusual, quirky, or odd about yourself?
My husband and I lived in a tipi in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state for 6 months – until I woke up with a dead slug in my hair. It’s amazing how fast you can build a small house.
Chuckling here. I woke up with slug trails across a sock one time. I was visiting a relative. Ugh. Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!
Favorite Disney Character? Sleeping Beauty
Favorite Fruit? Peach
Favorite Eye Color? Brown
Best Vacation destination? Rocky Mountains
Food you can’t stand? Liver, lima beans *shudder*
What annoys you? Stupidity
Coffee, tea, or something else? Coffee – w/an IV
Nightgown or Jammies? Jammies
Prefer dogs or cats? Dogs – I have 3 (I get it! I have 7)
Review of Lady Gwendolyn
I’ve always adored a wonderfully written medieval, and Lady Gwendolyn, with its large cast of characters, didn’t disappoint.
The action, intrigue, conflict, and romance are captivating. The brilliant descriptions and attention to historical accuracy enhanced the thoroughly engaging plot.
I couldn’t decide which characters were my favorites: Madeline the made turned lady in order to protect her mistress, and then forced to continue the charade at the risk of her life? Ian, the blackguard who abducts her and whose heart she steals? Or the gentle Lady Gwendolyn and her brother, the wise, yet impetuous, Lord Hampton? The delightful secondary characters added such wonderful flavor and depth to the story too.
What truly made this read unique were the multiple points of views, not often seen in current literature, but which takes us into the character’s minds and emotions.
Lady Gwendolyn was a pleasure to read.
A bit of information about Magnolia Belle
The action, intrigue, conflict, and romance are captivating. The brilliant descriptions and attention to historical accuracy enhanced the thoroughly engaging plot.
I couldn’t decide which characters were my favorites: Madeline the made turned lady in order to protect her mistress, and then forced to continue the charade at the risk of her life? Ian, the blackguard who abducts her and whose heart she steals? Or the gentle Lady Gwendolyn and her brother, the wise, yet impetuous, Lord Hampton? The delightful secondary characters added such wonderful flavor and depth to the story too.
What truly made this read unique were the multiple points of views, not often seen in current literature, but which takes us into the character’s minds and emotions.
Lady Gwendolyn was a pleasure to read.
Lady Gwendolyn was a pleasure to read.
My pen name “Magnolia Belle” came from a dream of one day owning a riverboat that offered dinner, sultry jazz and hot R&B while floating down the Mississippi. Realizing I didn’t have the millions it’d take to get that dream off the ground, I took the name to write under. I figured it’d be one hard to forget. Plus, it’s as southern as I am.
I live in Texas with my husband and our ‘pack’ of fuzzy children (aka dogs). Before that, I grew up in a military family and lived all across the US and in the Orient. In 1977, I got married and in 1978 I graduated with a degree in Accounting from Tarleton State University. Yeah, I know. BIG leap from accountant to novelist. As editor of the University paper, I won first place in the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Editorial competition in 1977. I was also a member of “Who’s Who Among Colleges and Universities” in 1977-78, and graduated with high honors. A singer/songwriter and guitarist, I played with a band in the 1980s that made 3 albums.
I started my company, “Black Wolf Books” in 2005 as a venue to publish and sell my work. The name “Black Wolf” comes from the first series of 5 novels I’ve written (and am still working on).
My heritage includes at least two Indian nations, one on my mother’s side and the Iroquois on my father’s. Because of that, I write about American Indians with great respect. I also spend inordinate amounts of time in researching history, facts and personalities in the era they are presented. Historical events and documentation (such as treaties) are cited in my novels, so readers can see what really happened.
My characters become very real to me, and I often find myself not writing, but rather taking dictation as they tell me their stories. That’s also why I tend to write in series of novels. My characters are a gabby bunch!
In early medieval days, bandits beset a caravan taking Lady Gwendolyn Hampton of England to marry Angus Dewar in Scotland. In the confusion, she escapes, while the bandits think her maid, Madeleine, is her. From one peril to another, Madeleine must keep the ruse in order to stay alive. Lady Gwendolyn’s brother, Lord Richard Hampton, wants Madeleine as his consort, and tries to rescue her. Through betrayal, intrigue and murder, she becomes a woman of title, and must decide if she wants the life he offers.
Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/ANtk2-2niS0
Enjoy an excerpt from Lady Gwendolyn
The next day, Richard watched for Madeleine and led her to a storeroom.
“What are you doing?” she asked when he closed the door behind them.
“I must talk to you.” He stopped in front of her and took her hand. “I know you have feelings for me…just as I have for you. It’s senseless to deny it. I don’t care that I’m betrothed. You are all I think about. You are all I want. Please, Maddy, give us the time we have left before my wedding.” He had kissed her hand. “Please.”
“Richard, that’s hardly fair.”
“Is it fair to not love you? I say no.”
Richard closed his eyes, remembering that next kiss, both strong and tender. When she returned it, she had brought promises of many more to follow. From there, time flew by with stolen moments in private corners. He grew bolder in his feelings for her until a few days before Gwendolyn was to leave for Dewar’s. Maddy approached in the hallway and, making sure they were alone, he pressed her against the wall, kissing her deeply, caressing her breast. Pushing his hand away, her eyes full of chiding, she had broken free and hurried to her task, though leaving giggles bubbling in her wake. Within the quarter hour, he heard his father’s bellow filling the hall.
“I’d have thought better of you, Madeleine. I give you a home and you repay me thusly! I have no choice but to send you away. You will leave with Gwendolyn and live in Scotland.”
“But, Milord…”
“My mind is made up. Go! And if I see you with my son again, I’ll have you whipped and driven out.”
Madeleine had fled from his council chamber, her head bowed, her eyes blinded by tears. Richard darted into the room, rage heating his chest and roaring through his mind. A mixture of bitter disappointment, anger, and loss arranged Roland’s face in a way that would brook no defiance nor rebellion. It did not stop Richard’s charge.
“You cannot send her away! I forbid it!”
Roland had stood from behind his desk in one fluid motion and rested both palms on it to lean forward.
“You forbid it? Are you lord of the manor now? Why was I not informed?”
The sarcasm felt like a slap. Richard’s eyes narrowed and all caution fled.
“I love her. She stays here!”
“You best remember you are betrothed to someone of your station. You will not dishonor this house by your infidelity!”
“Then I will not marry Lady Jane.” Richard stiffened and crossed his arms.
Roland stepped around the desk and stopped mere inches from his son.
“The contracts are signed. You will marry Lady Jane, and you will not see Madeleine again.”
Their glares glinted off each other, striking flint, creating sparks.
“I will see her again,” Richard hissed, “low-born or no.”
Roland drew back, his throbbing temples making the graying hair on them pulse. Richard saw a newly formed decision in his father’s expression and hoped his elder had relented.
“In that case,” Roland had spoken quietly to start, “you will not attend Gwendolyn’s wedding.”
“But…” Surprise made Richard drop his arms to his side. Disbelief made him take a step back.
“You will stay here to oversee the welfare of this house. I’ll leave Captain Beowyn with you because, after this untoward outburst, I deem you to be too much of a boy to handle such a task on your own.” Roland’s voice grew louder as he spoke.
“But…”
“And if I see you with the maid again, I will keep my word. She will be whipped and driven out.” His finger had jabbed toward the door, punctuating her punishment.
“You are a cruel…old man who has forgotten what love is…if you ever knew!”
Richard’s critical disrespect poured acid on his father’s temper. Roland’s face flushed, his breath pounded through his chest and huffed through his nose. He almost reached for his sword on the wall, but clenched his fists instead.
“Get…out!” Like a charging bull, Roland pushed him through the door and slammed it behind him, leaving Richard reeling in the hallway. Emotions bounced from him to the walls and back again…anger, fear, despair, wounded pride…until he fled up the stairs, taking them two at a time. Within seconds, his own door had slammed his reply.
They hadn’t spoken again until the wedding party left a few days later. Even then, their words were sparse.
“Fare well on the roads, Father.”
“And you here at home.”
They’d clasped hands, both unspoken apologies accepted, then his father mounted his horse. From the corner of his eye, Richard saw Madeleine follow Gwendolyn into the litter. She wouldn’t even look at him, not with his father so close.
Here’s how you can contact Magnolia Belle
Buy links!
Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/328078
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Lady-Gwendolyn-ebook/dp/B00DIGGHXW/
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lady-gwendolyn-magnolia-belle/1115864571?ean=9781939332028
website: www.blackwolfbooks.com
Thanks again, Magnolia, for joining me here today.
