Please welcome Author Gwyneth Greer. Gwyneth is on tour with Goddess Fish Promotions with her book, Showboat. Welcome Gwyneth. It's a pleasure to have you with us today. Gwyneth and I will be relaxing on the porch swing during this beautiful warm day with a chilled glass of Sweet Tea to sip while we chat.
Please tell us a little about yourself......
I’m a retired teacher. You name it, I’ve taught it—including special ed and English as a second language! A lifelong fascination with history (and an M.A. in same) and years of genealogical research fuel the spinning machine from which my tales emerge. Like my grandfather, I love to travel—when anyone says, “Let’s go…” I reply, “Let me get my hat.” I was widowed early, raised my sons alone, and now have two beautiful granddaughters.
What inspired you to pen your first title?
Where Is Papa’s Shining Star? and Finding Papa’s Shining Star started out based on a long-hidden family story—but then they evolved into a hymn to my favorite historical eras—World War I through World War II and just beyond. By the time I finished, the family story had little to do with anything!
How long have you been writing?
Forever. I’ve had a lifelong love affair with pen and paper, typewriters, word processors, and, finally, computers. It’s second nature to see or hear something and think, “Oh, that would make a good story.”
What was the hardest part about writing this particular novel?
Probably making sure the clues dropped throughout the book made sense and all came together in the end. Then there was the research—the geographical logistics of Houston, making sure I accurately described the Branson locations.
Have any dreams been realized as a result of your writing?
Just holding “my book” in my hot little hands! It’s a real thrill! But I also have to think about how pleased my mother would be that my ‘writing aspirations’ have been realized, especially this late in life. I never wanted to publish to be ‘rich and famous’—just to, as you put it, realize a dream.
Is there a message in your novel you want readers to grasp?
The theme of The Showboat Affair is basically ‘second chances’—but the thread that weaves itself throughout the fabric of the story is mending relationships, forgiveness, and the truth that no one is ever all bad or all good.
Where do you hope to take your writing in the future?
I have another novel contracted by Champagne Books, due out in 2012, and another submitted to a different publisher—hoping for a contract, but it might not happen. I’m working on a series of six ‘cozy’ mysteries. There is one novel sitting on the computer needing revision and two more begging to be written. I’ve figured I’ll have to live to 106 to get it all done! Seriously, I would like to have more short stories published, so I keep sending them out to magazines and journals.
What advice do you have for writer's just starting out?
I don’t know that I have enough expertise to be giving advice—but for what it’s worth, I’d say to learn everything you can about the writing craft and the publishing business—have pieces ready to send out, and don’t take rejection personally. And know WHY you write. If you’re looking to make a career as a writer—actually earn your living that way—that takes a different plan. If you’re just having fun with it, as I am, it’s a whole different thing.
Anything else you would like to share with us today?
Just a big ‘thank you’ for allowing me to visit here today—and also to The Wild Rose Press who helped turn my dreams into reality.
Blurb for The Showboat Affair
Despite over thirty years in a faithless marriage to wealthy investment broker Rand Kingston, Jean is shocked when he asks for a divorce. Encouraged by her former housekeeper-turned-best-friend, she determines to rediscover herself as an independent woman and move on with her life. Nick Cameron, prominent attorney and long-time widower, would like to figure in her plans. The opposition of their adult children surprises them. Then, a series of chilling near misses makes them wonder who really is determined to keep them apart—and why.
Excerpt #2 from The Showboat Affair
The peal of the doorbell startled both of them. “This could look bad,” Nick said.
“Not if it’s Selina. Maybe it’s her. She went to look at some of those ice cream parlor tables I was telling you about last week.” Jean eyed him critically. “Button your shirt.”
“It’s pretty rumpled.”
“Button it anyway.” She brushed past him on her way to the door. “Maybe you should disappear.”
“Are you serious?”
Jean sighed. “No.” At the front door, she peered through the viewer and let out her breath in dismay. Juliana stood there, her jaw set, looking primed for battle. Jean unlocked the door and opened it. “What brings you here so early, Juliana?”
“I had some errands over this way. Aren’t you going to ask me in?”
Jean stepped back. “Yes, of course. Come in. I have a guest.”
Juliana’s eyebrows met her hairline. “A guest? I am interfering with your sleeping arrangements then.”
Jean made a quick decision not to defend herself. “Come in the kitchen. I’m making waffles.”
Nick rose hastily as the women walked in.
“You must be Nick Cameron,” Juliana snapped.
“Guilty.”
“My mother’s lover.”
“Juliana!” Jean felt the blood drain from her face. “How dare you!”
Nick’s eyes flashed, but his voice was courtroom courteous. “I spent the night on the sofa.”
“Of course, you did.”
His mouth twitched. “But if I’d spent it in your mother’s bed, it would have been her business, not yours.”
Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today Gwyneth. I always love meeting new authors and wish you the best in success.
Until next time,
