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Please Welcome Special Guest Kathleen L. Maher!

6/15/2013

 
PictureKathleen L. Maher
Today I am honored to have a special guest on the HIStory blog! Please help me welcome Kathleen L. Maher.

Welcome Kathleen! Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a stay at home mom of two Middle schoolers, I am married to my soul mate, and we have three rescued dogs and a tuxedo cat who rules the roost. I write Christian historical fiction, occasionally paint, love to garden, and hope to one day grow all our own food.

Wow! That's a worthy goal. How did you discover your calling to be a writer?

I’ve always loved books and story. I would dream such vivid dreams that I would immediately try to capture them on the page.  And then, when I learned about the local history here in upstate NY, how we have ties to Civil War, Revolutionary War, and so much more, I was hooked with historical writing.

What books have influenced your life most?

One of my most memorable moments was watching Gone with the Wind as a preteen with my mom and actually liking it. I read it for the first time in 7th grade, and twice since. It brought history to life, made me feel the universal conflict of unrequited love depicted between Scarlett and Ashley, Rhett and Scarlett. I related to Scarlett’s determination to survive, being a child of a struggling single mom. And It made me determined to appreciate the people and things  in my life and not pine for the ones I couldn’t have.

A few nonfiction books gave me great hope in times of trial. Bruce Wilkinson’s The Dream Giver took me on an allegorical journey to fulfilling the calling on one Ordinary Man’s life. Captivating by Staci Eldredge helped me understand the strength in Godly femininity and the ways the world has tried to put blockades on the path of living the life God intended. 

That's very interesting. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

My critique partner Debbie Lynne Costello, represented by Tamela Hancock Murray, has been my go-to gal for five years. She is incredibly good at plotting, characterization, research, all the things that a great historical writer is. And Carrie Fancett Pagels has gone out of her way to help me on several instances. She is a very gifted writer aside from being a kind and generous person and brilliant at networking. Both of these ladies’ edits on my debut novella, Bachelor Buttons, have been invaluable.

I've met Carrie on facebook, and you're right. She is a sweet, wonderful person. She also has a book in the Cry of Freedom Series. What is your favorite time in History?

The American Civil War. It staggers the mind to think that in one battle, more American men died than in the entirety of  the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq combined. And boys as young as 12 participated. . . it is a conflict full of drama and nuance and strange and fascinating facts.

It's my favorite time period as well! What was the most outstanding thing you learned while researching for this novella?

Bachelor Buttons is about the Draft Riots in Manhattan after Lincoln called for mandatory conscription in 1863. Some Irish set fires to the draft offices in protest, and committed some pretty heinous acts, but many Irish were also very heroic and selfless during this time, too. When a black orphanage was set on fire, it was Irish firemen that fought the blaze, and when mobs took over the city, it was Irish soldiers and police that restored order. It really brought to life the sights and sounds that I had always heard about in family stories about my great, great grandmother.

Have you enjoyed being a part of a historical series? Tell us a little about the Cry of Freedom Series.

It’s been a great experience. Murray Pura is our brilliant and energetic leader, and I love his vision to commemorate the 150 year anniversary of battles such as Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Chancellorsville, and Chickamauga. Bringing together 15 different writers to provide unique perspectives on the year 1863 has been a rich learning opportunity. I’ve made some wonderful friends and read some great stories from my fellow contributors.

Please tell us about your book Bachelor Buttons.

I have based my heroine, Rose Meehan on my great, great grandmother Katherine Meehan, who lived in Manhattan in the 1860’s. Rose is a feisty and resourceful Irish lass with two suitors, a poor violin instructor who is hoping for his big break on the stage, and an Irish doctor who would offer Rose a comfortable life. She must choose the man she will marry, and meanwhile Manhattan erupts in chaos and violence.  Through heroism and character one man emerges as her clear choice.

I read the novella and enjoyed it very much. I really appreciated you kept the romance clean and moral. What do you want readers to take away from Bachelor Buttons?

I hope they see the role of faith and prayer in times of crisis to take a person through to a better outcome than we could even think to ask for ourselves.

Amen. I know I've experienced that in my life. Any fun behind the scenes tidbits you'd like to share with us?

My g-g grandmother really did court both a violin teacher and a doctor, and the men ran a foot race to see which one she would marry.

A foot race! I'll have to think about using that one. What is the next project you're working on?

I can’t say too much about it, but it is a combination of Princess Bride and Silver Linings Playbook. J

Intriguing! Can't wait to hear more. How can readers find you on the internet?

I am on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mahereenie?ref=tn_tnmn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mahereenie

Blogs I contribute to:

http://kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com

http://fictionaddictionfix.blogspot.com

http://christianfictionhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com

http://colonialquills.blogspot.com

Thank you for taking the time to stop by today, Kathleen! This has been a great time.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog, Amber! You are a blessing.

As thanks, I’d like to offer an e-copy of my novella Bachelor Buttons to one lucky commenter. If you’ll leave your email addy and a comment, I’ll draw one name via random.org and send you either a kindle or nook copy, your choice.

Wow! That's very generous of you. Well, ya'll heard the lady! Leave a comment with your email address for a chance to win a copy of this great book.

Tweetables:
Free Ebook Giveaway on www.amberschamel.com Click to Tweet

Special Author Interview with @Mahereenie Click to tweet

Interview and Ebook Giveaway on HIStory Blog Click to Tweet

Picture
Bachelor Buttons by Kathleen L. Maher
    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 a life of advantage-grabbing or a life of faith. When Manhattan explodes in mob rule following Lincoln's unpopular draft, the heroic action of one suitor brings provision for those she loves, and reveals God's plan. 

           Kathleen L. Maher’s novella Bachelor Buttons released through Helping Hands Press in May, 2013 as part of a Civil War sesquicentennial collection. Her manuscript Closer than a Brother won the historical category of ACFW’s Genesis contest in 2012. Her work has finaled in several writing contest since 2009. She is represented by Terry Burns of Hartline Literary Agency. 
            Kathleen blogs about New York State history and enjoys reading and writing reviews for historical CBA releases.  She and her husband live in a 100-year-old farmhouse in upstate NY with their three children. Two rescued Newfoundland dogs and a tuxedo cat complete their family.
Kathleen L. Maher link
6/15/2013 01:03:24 am

Thanks so much, Amber. Your blog is lovely. I just subscribed to follow. I am honored to be here and share with your readers. Blessings!

Amber Schamel link
6/15/2013 01:59:57 am

Thank you Kathy! I've enjoyed having you and getting to know you through the interview! :) We'll have to do this again soon.

Rhonda link
6/15/2013 01:47:28 am

Great interview! I would love to win a copy of her book. Blessings!

Rhonda (Ritty) rhonda(dot)ritenour(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber Schamel link
6/15/2013 02:01:29 am

Thanks for stopping by Rhonda! Good luck in the drawing. Kathleen's book is delightful! I'm certain you'll greatly enjoy it!

Kathleen L. Maher link
6/15/2013 02:20:18 am

Thanks so much Ritty. I am so blessed by the kindness in the writing community and the support. hugs!

Jannice Schamel link
6/15/2013 02:41:28 am

A footrace to decide who to marry!? What a hoot!! That made me laugh! Sounds like an interesting story!

Brittany McEuen
6/15/2013 03:02:26 am

Fun interview! Loved reading the little synopsis of your book. It sounds really interesting and good. How funny that the violin teacher and doctor ran a foot race for your g-g-grandmother!
Brittany McEuen
kbmceuen(at)yahoo(dot)com

Amber Schamel link
6/15/2013 04:00:16 am

Hey Brittany!
So glad you enjoyed the interview. Best of luck in the drawing! I know you'll love Kathleen's book!

Kathleen L. Maher
6/15/2013 10:47:00 am

Thanks, Brittany. I have always enjoyed that family story. :) The end of the story is even more dramatic. In the real story, the violin teacher won the race and Katherine's hand, and the doctor never married, but would send them a ton of coal every year to make sure Katherine was well provided for. *sigh* so romantic!

Dale Eldon
6/15/2013 06:49:41 am

Very interesting! I have started doing some research in Civil War for a story, and I have fallen in love with the era.

utopianwar@yahoo.com

Kathleen L. Maher
6/15/2013 10:49:10 am

Dale, you should come join us on my yahoo group, Civil War HIStory. We swap research tidbits and a love of the era, and we're all Christian writers. Send me your email and I'll send you an invite to the group. :)

Amber Schamel link
6/15/2013 11:02:05 am

Dale, I totally know what you mean!
That sounds awesome, Kathleen! Can I join the group too?

Carla Gade link
6/15/2013 09:04:12 am

What a great interview! I loved hearing about the true history with your grandmother that inspired the novella!

Kathleen L. Maher
6/15/2013 10:50:43 am

Thanks, Carla. I appreciate you coming by.

Amber Schamel link
6/15/2013 11:03:17 am

Hey Carla!
Thanks for stopping by. Kathleen does a really great interview, doesn't she? :)
It was inspiring for me too that she wrote about one of her ancestors.

Patty
6/16/2013 03:38:49 am

I have Carrie's part of this series on my Kindle, would love to have another part of the series to read.

Kathleen L. Maher
6/16/2013 06:52:06 am

Thanks, Patty. Carrie Pagels' novella was wonderful, wasn't it? Thanks so much for coming by and best of luck on the giveaway!

Melissa link
6/18/2013 03:18:05 pm

Can't go wrong with combining Princess Bride with anything, I say. ;P

Kathleen L. Maher
6/18/2013 03:24:20 pm

A-to-the-men, Melissa! :D

Britt Mitchell link
6/18/2013 03:21:26 pm

I'm a big fan of Kathleen's...and a friend. I really enjoyed this interview. I did not know about the great-great grandmother and the foot race. It goes to show, our ancestors and their history are better than fiction! Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for our Kathleen!

Kathleen L. Maher
6/18/2013 03:26:11 pm

thanks, Britt, who is a very gifted writer herself! :) Truth is stranger than fiction, and usually more unbelievable!

Debbie Lynne Costello link
6/18/2013 03:21:33 pm

Kathy, I am reminded why we ended up being best of friends! A woman after my own heart, loving Gone with the Wind. ;o) You are way to generous with your praise. What you failed to tell the readers is that YOU are my go-to-gal and I don't let anything slip by without you going over it first! You have a gift for critiquing and a gift for story telling. I'm blessed that the Lord put us together.

Kathleen L. Maher
6/18/2013 03:27:17 pm

Pish posh. :D I clearly get the better end of the bargain, Debbie Lynne!

Debbie Lynne Costello link
6/18/2013 03:51:17 pm

I am afraid that once again we shall have to agree to disagree!


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    Amber Schamel was born in Littleton, CO and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Holy Land. She was raised in a family of 11 children, home-schooled through education and currently works with their 10 family businesses. Amber is a multi-published author and currently lives with her family outside of Colorado Springs, CO..

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    The Way of the Master: How to Share Your Faith Simply, Effectively, Biblically-- The Way Jesus Did
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