Q & A with SJA Turney, Author of Insurgency

Please join me in welcoming SJA Turney to A Literary Vacation today!! SJA has kindly stopped by to answer some questions for me, so please enjoy. And, as usual, continue after the  Q & A for more information about SJA's newest  novel, Insurgency.

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Hello, SJA, and welcome to A Literary Vacation! To start off with, please tell us a little about your book, Insurgency?

And thank you for having me. The new book? Well Insurgency is a tale of love and betrayal and an empire teetering on the brink of destruction, surrounded by powerful enemies. I suppose that’s the pitch really. What it truly is is the tale of four people at the heart of an empire, whose personal lives fall apart at the moment of the empire’s greatest need and consequently plunge the world into danger. It’s a story of dangerous sea voyages, adventurous pursuits, slavery, battles and sieges. As the power structure suffers the empire weakens, and hitherto unknown enemies at its borders initiate long-laid plans for conquest. It’s fantasy, but in its most realistic, historical style. Think Roman generals and Attila the Hun - or perhaps Genghis Khan.

Now Insurgency is part of a series, correct? Where does it fit into the series?

The Tales of the Empire were designed to be standalone books but with a common thread and all set in the same world. The first three books cover around a twenty year period from several different angles Insurgency is the fourth volume, preceded in order by Interregnum, Ironroot and Dark Empress. Quite simply, while Insurgency is part of a series it can easily be read as a one-off novel without losing anything. For the very best effect, I would say read Interregnum first, as the characters in Insurgency are the descendants of those in Interregnum, but that’s not a necessity by any means. The other two books fit somewhere between these in the timeline but have far less impact on Insurgency.

The book and series sound like a delicious combination of history and fantasy! Where did the idea for the series come from? What prompted you to mix the genres together to tell your stories?

The greatest influence I could claim is Guy Gavriel Kay. He is the master of blending history with fantasy, and I read his earliest books at school. They essentially informed my whole view of literature with their subtle fantasy twists on historical periods. I myself began writing straight history with an attempt to rework Caesar’s diaries and make them readable. The resulting series (Marius’ Mules) has reached book 9 now, but even as I finished book 1 I realized that an author could have so much more influence on their story and the world in which it is set if they started with a blank canvas, so I decided to keep the flavor of Rome and work it into a fantasy milieu in the manner of G G Kay. Also, being a table-top role-player through my formative years has given me plenty of experience in world building, which helped a great deal. History and fantasy are closely tied together anyway, as anyone who reads Roman and Greek mythology will know. The lines between fantasy and history blur a great deal, depending on where the reader is happy to draw them. It seemed the best way to create something unique while drawing on the Roman history which I love.

I’m a huge historical fiction fan. Is there anything in particular that draws you to historical fiction? Are there any particular times in history you gravitate towards more than others, or do you just enjoy history in general?

Actually I primarily write Roman fiction. The Tales of the Empire were something of an indulgence originally, to give me a chance to use my full imagination without being bound by historical fact. But most of my volume of work is historical in nature, with the Marius’ Mules series set in the time of Caesar, the Praetorian series during the reign of Commodus, a kids’ book in the first century AD, and a series set in the late 15th century Mediterranean. Oh, and I’m also part of a collaborative retelling of the fall of Troy (A Song of War), which is released in October. Essentially, I have been an obsessive lover of Roman history since my grandfather took me to Hadrian’s Wall when I was six, and over the last decade I have also become increasingly fascinated with the Byzantine world. Like a true obsessive, almost everything I do is informed by my passion for history.

Did you have to conduct any research to write Insurgency? Have you ever traveled to the locations discussed in the story before or during the writing process?

One of the key features of writing ‘historical fantasy’ rather than the more wildly fantastic sword and sorcery stuff is the need to be clear on any historical elements one might use. For the horse clans in Insurgency I bought several texts on Attila’s Huns and the Mongol horde, to achieve a realistic feel to their clothing and weapons, their lifestyle and so on. Their language, which appears here and there, is my own creation based heavily on the little that is known of the tongues of the steppe peoples of the ancient and medieval worlds, influenced by a smattering of modern Mongolian. Research for my fantasy books is as in-depth as it is for the straight history. Luckily, being a lover of the subject, research is as much a hobby as a chore. I try to travel to any location I use in a book, as I think that gives any description of a place a sense of authenticity. It helps if a writer knows how a place feels and smells as well as what it looks like, in my opinion. Some visits are unachievable, sadly. I never managed to visit the Russian/Mongolian steppe, for instance, but many of the locations in Interregnum are based on places with which I’m familiar (Istanbul, Capri, Rome, Rocamadour and so on.)

Was there anything that shocked or surprised you during the research or writing process? Is there anything in particular that you discovered and found interesting that didn’t end up making it into the story?

Writing is always a fluid thing for me. I am permanently prepared to be surprised, if that makes any sense? I set out with a detailed plan, and then constantly have to adjust that plan as little epiphanies strike me and the plot twists this way and that in my hands. Insurgency was a prime example of that. Perhaps a third of the way into the book I was out having a walk and an idea struck me. I went back to writing later in the day and launched into that idea only to find out that it neatly solved a problem I didn’t even know I had until I’d resolved it. That then became a central plot thread to the whole book. Strange how that happens. Another odd thing came along when my editor noted that I mention it being Spring throughout the book and thought I had got the timings wrong. But when I went back over the timescale for the whole tale, it begins in early spring and ends within a few short months, as spring moves to summer. Most of my books take place over quite some time so that came as a surprise, especially since I hadn’t realized it until it was pointed out to me. And I had a few scenes in mind set in the desert lands of Pelasia (which I love as a setting, and is the main reason I wrote Dark Empress) but they were surplus really, and had no real bearing on the plot, so they were cut.

Similar to the question above: I’ve heard a number of authors say that their characters, while fictional, spoke to them and shaped the way the narrative of the story evolved. Do your characters “lead” you anywhere and, if so, did they lead you anywhere unexpected?

Ah yes. See above! Characters are tricky things. I try and keep them under control, but they tend to live their own lives whatever we do. I had less of this than usual with Insurgency, but still they occasionally tweaked the plot when I realized that their motivations would require them to do something I hadn’t originally planned on. Jala, the Empress, was the main culprit in Insurgency. Her motivations were troublesome to nail down, and she changed things quite a bit. In my second book in the Praetorian series, the main character developed an unintentional addiction to opium, which in the end changed the whole feel of the book. It happens.

What does a typical day (if there is one) look like for you? How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?

Coffee! I rush around to get the morning chores done and sort out the kids with my wife, and then shuffle off into my office armed with coffee. I then write solidly for about seven hours periodically refilling my mug (or perhaps a cheeky beer in the afternoon.) Then by 4 or 5 in the afternoon I down tools. That being said, I am rarely not working in some way. Of an evening or a weekend I am always plotting, making notes, reading research material and suchlike. The brain never stops... except on Wednesdays. That’s my day off. Four days a week I write hard, and in the evenings and at weekends it’s all about family time. But on Wednesdays, while the kids are at school, I turn from writer to reader. My wife and I head into town and I’ll find a comfy corner of a pub to read and relax. I’ve tried writing through the week, but with the pace I set myself on writing days, I’ve found I tend to burn out by about day 4 if I don’t give the brain a bit of a rest, so Wednesday refuels me to launch into things again for the rest of the week.

A lot of authors have become huge on social media, not only promoting their work but interacting with their readers and offering up giveaways, book recommendations, etc. Are you a big proponent of using social media in this way? How do you prefer to interact with your fans?

I’m not a pushy person by nature. In fact, I’m actually surprisingly shy with people I don’t know. I suffer horribly from stage fright and nerves, which can be something of a hiccup in the world of book publicity. But because of that Social Media is a life saver. It doesn’t feel like you’re speaking to strangers or to the world as a whole, but to friends. I love it. After initially doubting the value of it, I plunged into Twitter and Facebook years ago and now have a lively online life. I’ve made many good friends, and I do use it to interact with fans all the time – ‘fans’ and ‘friends’ are more or less synonymous words to me these days. I also run a blog reviewing other peoples’ books and have my own website. I occasionally run giveaways and promote my own work, but I am sparing with it. Fortunately, there are a number of fans out there who promote me far more than I probably deserve, but as I say, I don’t like to be pushy, so I do little of it myself except around the time of a book’s release. Some authors can be rather irritating with the level to which they try the hard sell. I couldn’t be one of them, but I will always enjoy the social media world and be part of it.

I’ve noticed that a lot of authors are also big readers. When you have time for leisure reading what sorts of books do you gravitate towards? Have you read anything good lately?

I really should read ahead, shouldn’t I? Heh heh. As I said previously, I love to read. Some writers avoid reading within their own genre for fear of being influenced by other people’s work. I take the opposite position. I read a lot of historical fiction, especially Roman, and as well as enjoying them it allows me to make sure I write things that are different and don’t cover the same ground as other authors. I mostly read historical novels, but occasionally I foray into crime, fantasy, comedy or the supernatural. Books outside the straight historical genre that have stood out for me recently include Simon Toyne’s Sanctus trilogy, Manda Scott’s Into the Fire and James Douglas’ thrillers.

Are you working on any other books that we can look forward to reading in the future?

Oh I always have more than one book on the go! In fact, there’s a swathe of stuff in the pipeline. A standalone Roman novel is complete and with my agent. A series based on the war between Constantine and Maxentius that I’m writing with Gordon Doherty is currently seeking placement. The Trojan War collaboration ‘A Song of War’ will be out in October. The ninth Marius Mules novel will be out next month. And I am about to embark on a whole new project that will be virgin territory for me which will be released by Canelo next year. Plenty of reading matter to keep page-turners busy. 

Thank you for having me on A Literary Vacation. It’s been fun.

You are so very welcome, thank you for stopping by!!

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Publisher: Canelo

Pub. Date: August 16th, 2016

Pages: 351

The Empire has fallen… 

The Empire will rise again. 

A historical fantasy of valour, honour, and determination against all odds from the bestselling author of the Marius’ Mules novels. 

For twenty years, civil war has torn the Empire apart, and the once proud soldiers of the Imperial army now fight as hired hands for greedy lords fighting over the remnants of a more glorious time. 

Now the Empire is rising again under the benevolent reign of Emperor Kiva the Golden. Meanwhile his younger brother – the gifted warrior Quintillian – has been driven away from the Imperial Palace by an uncontrollable love for the Emperor’s wife Jala. Instead the honourable fighter chooses a life of simplicity as a sword for hire leaving the long legacy of his family behind. 

But not all ties of loyalty can be escaped and the bonds of family run deep… 

A truly epic reimagining of the history of the Roman Empire, Insurgency is a fast-paced and addictive novel that will delight fans of the series and capture the imaginations of new readers. The Tales of the Empire series takes S.J.A. Turney’s passion for Roman history and builds a fascinating new fantasy world adorned with all the hallmarks of a shattered Roman Empire.

About the Author

Simon Turney lives in rural North Yorkshire with his family. A lover of Roman history, he decided to combine writing and history with a new look at Caesar's diaries, spawning the hugely popular Marius’ Mules and Tales of the Empire series. When he’s not writing, he spends time visiting classical architecture and ruins. Insurgency is his 18th novel.

Buy the Book

Amazon | Amazon UK | Canelo | Kobo | Apple iBooks | Google Play

*Insurgency is published by Canelo, priced at £3.99 as an ebook*

 

 

Interview with Donna Russo Morin, Author of Portrait of Conspiracy: Da Vinci’s Disciples – Book One + Tour-Wide Giveaway!!

Thank you so much, Donna, for taking the time to stop by A Literary Vacation! One of my favorite aspects of interacting with authors is finding out what inspires them to write the novels that they do. Every author seems to have their own unique approach to their craft and learning that process really helps me, as a reader, get a better appreciation for the end result. So I can’t wait to learn more about your process!

Thank you so much for having me. I thoroughly enjoy speaking with bloggers and readers and giving them a peek behind the curtain!

 

Reading over the synopsis of your newest novel, Portrait of Conspiracy: Da Vinci’s Disciples – Book One, it sounds like a delicious combination of political intrigue and murder, mystery, art, history, and conspiracy. What drew you to incorporate all these various themes into the novel?

 

That’s a question that truly hits the mark. I was finishing up my work on my previous book, The King’s Agent, which features a real life 15th century Indiana Jones (Battista della Paglia) who was a dear friend of Michelangelo’s, so the Renaissance period and art were very imbedded in my thoughts. At the same time, I was going through a divorce that could have come straight out of a Stephen King novel. I wouldn’t have survived without a core of women who kept me sane (or a little tipsy, depending on the day). I really wanted to continue the art and Renaissance theme, but I also wanted to pay homage to these women, to the power of women when they unite. As I delved further into the period, I found the Pazzi conspiracy, when that family tried to destroy the Medici, who then ruled Florence, in one of the most audacious assassinations ever attempted. Add to that my propensity to try to give women of the past empowerment, even when it wasn’t allowed. I know women found ways of overcoming their limitations, though it no doubt started in secret. So take all those components, put them in a bag, shake it up, and out came Portrait of a Conspiracy.

 

 

I can’t imagine the organization and research that must go into writing a book series with so many threads to keep track of. How do you tackle not only the research but keeping all the threads of the stories in line?

I am a prodigious plotter. Some may even call me a bit fanatical. I outline the entire book before I begin writing, not by chapter, but by scene. With this outline, I review all of my research and find what to use and the best place to use it. I typically end up with anywhere from an 80-100 page document. And then (okay, this may be where the fanatical comes from), I make an index of each scene in that outline. That index allows me to know, at a glance, who is doing what and when. On top of that, each one of the main characters in this secret society of women artists has her own document with all her personal history, physical and personality traits, as well as what happens to her. It may all sound like a great deal of overkill, but it allows me—when it comes down to the actual writing—to typical produce 2000-3000 words in a day.

 

 

Historical fiction happens to be my all-time favorite genre and I find myself going back and forth between what periods of history are my favorite to read about. Your novels have tackled quite a few fascinating people throughout history and from a variety of countries. Do you have a favorite time period or location to write and/or read about, or do you enjoy jumping around as I do?

 

The Renaissance has always been a favorite of mine. I am a second-generation, full Italian American and I can trace my roots to 9th century Florence. So of course that’s going to hold a special place in my heart. But in truth, its more people and events that tend to pique my writer’s interest. That’s why I’ve gone from 17th century France (the Musketeers) to 15th century Venice (Galileo and the glassmakers of Murano) to 15th century France (Francois I) to 16th century Italy (Battista della Paglia and Michelangelo) and now to 15th century Florence (the Medicis and da Vinci).

 

 

 

What does a typical day (if there is one) look like for you? How do you balance writing and the rest of your life?

I have to admit, that now that both my sons have finished their education (my eldest has his master’s in vocal performance opera and my youngest holds two degrees in the culinary arts; they graduated a week apart last May), things have gotten much simpler. It was much, much harder when there was soccer and music lessons and boy scouts and cooking and cleaning after two growing boys. I still have an aging, though still vibrant mother that I happily give some time to. And I’m very happy to say that I have at last found love—real love for obviously I didn’t know what it was until now—and he and I are ‘domestic partners’ (what a clinical expression for something so lovely). So there are still external demands on my time. But not nearly what they used to be. 

 As for a ‘typical’ day…I am a terrible morning person, so I start my days with emails and social media work, trying to get my brain sparking with that. I usually start the real work of writing around noon, break for dinner, then put in another hour or two. I am most definitely at my best later in the day. 

A lot of authors have become huge on social media, not only promoting their work but interacting with their readers and offering up giveaways, book recommendations, etc. Are you a big proponent of using social media in this way? How do you prefer to interact with your fans?

I don’t know if anyone has ever been honest about this new component in writing, but publishers expect writers to have as large a social footprint as they possibly can. We have to do it whether we like it or not. Luckily, I do like it. Sometimes I do resent the time it eats up, but having that interaction with readers is rather a gift, at least to me. Being a writer is such a solitary existence; it’s really rather lovely to receive and converse with people who have taken the time and money to purchase and read my work. When you work in an office you have co-workers and bosses to discuss the work, give you a ‘that a girl’ when you need one. Social media has opened that up for authors and I am grateful for it. I encourage all readers of my work to get in touch if they have questions or comments.

 

I’ve noticed that a lot of authors are also big readers. When you have time for leisure reading what sorts of books do you gravitate towards? Have you read anything good lately?

I honestly don’t believe you can be a good writer unless you are a big reader. You have to immerse yourself in the written word if you hope to produce well written words. I do tend to read a great deal of historical fiction. My last few reads were C. W. Gortner’s The Vatican Princess, Lynn Cullen’s Twain’s End, and Priya Parmar’s Vanessa and Her Sister. I do like a bit of fantasy (George Martin, J. R. R. Tolkien), a bit of horror (King Stephen King) as well as legal thrillers (John Grisham). I always say the written word is my passion as well as my profession.

Can you tell us anything about the book(s) you’re working on now?

I can tell you that I’m working on the last book in the Da Vinci’s Disciples trilogy. It ends not with a whimper but with a bang, a fiery bang. And I will just hint that there is something in the works, something hundreds of years away from anything I’ve done in the past, that I am incredibly excited for. Stay tuned!

Thank you so much, Donna, for stopping by and answering my questions!! I am so excited to hear more about the rest of your Da Vinci's Disciples series and your secret project!

Everyone, be sure to continue below for more information about Portrait of Conspiracy, the blog tour, and how you can enter the tour-wide giveaway to win one of FIVE eBook copies!

 

 

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Publication Date: May 10, 2016
Diversion Books
eBook & Paperback; 290 Pages

 

Genre: Historical Mystery

 

 

One murder ignites the powderkeg that threatens to consume the Medici’s Florence. Amidst the chaos, five women and one legendary artist weave together a plot that could bring peace, or get them all killed. Seeking to wrest power from the Medici family in 15th Century Florence, members of the Pazzi family drew their blades in a church and slew Giuliano. But Lorenzo de Medici survives, and seeks revenge on everyone involved, plunging the city into a murderous chaos that takes dozens of lives. Bodies are dragged through the streets, and no one is safe. Five women steal away to a church to ply their craft in secret. Viviana, Fiammetta, Isabetta, Natasia, and Mattea are painters, not allowed to be public with their skill, but freed from the restrictions in their lives by their art. When a sixth member of their group, Lapaccia, goes missing, and is rumored to have stolen a much sought after painting as she vanished, the women must venture out into the dangerous streets to find their friend and see her safe. They will have help from one of the most renowned painters of their era the peaceful and kind Leonardo Da Vinci. It is under his tutelage that they will flourish as artists, and with his access that they will infiltrate some of the highest, most secretive places in Florence, unraveling one conspiracy as they build another in its place. Historical fiction at its finest, Donna Russo Morin begins a series of Da Vinci’s disciples with a novel both vibrant and absorbing, perfect for the readers of Sarah Dunant.

 

Praise for Portrait of Conspiracy

 

“A riveting page-turner unlike any historical novel you’ve read, weaving passion, adventure, artistic rebirth, and consequences of ambition into the first of a trilogy by a masterful writer at the peak of her craft.” -C. W. Gortner, author of The Confessions of Catherine de’ Medici and The Vatican Princess

Buy the Book

 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

 

 

About the Author





Donna Russo Morin is the award winning of author of historical fiction. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, she lives near the shore with her two sons, Devon and Dylan, her greatest works in progress.

Donna enjoys meeting with book groups in person and via Skype chat. Visit her website at www.donnarussomorin.com; friend her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @DonnaRussoMorin.

Giveaway Time!!

 

 

To enter to win an eBook of PORTRAIT OF A CONSPIRACY by Donne Russo Morin please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form HERE. FIVE copies are up for grabs!

 

Rules

 

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on June 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter.

 

Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

 

Only one entry per household.

 

All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion

 

Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

 

 

Portrait of Conspiracy Blog Tour Schedule

 

Tuesday, May 10

Review at Unshelfish
Review at The Maiden’s Court

Wednesday, May 11

Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Thursday, May 12

Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, May 13

Review at Let Them Read Books
Review at With Her Nose Stuck In A Book

Monday, May 16

Review at Just One More Chapter
Interview at A Literary Vacation

Tuesday, May 17

Review at Seize the Words

Wednesday, May 18

Review at Flashlight Commentary
Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book

Thursday, May 19

Review at Worth Getting in Bed For
Interview at Flashlight Commentary

Friday, May 20

Guest Post at Layered Pages
Interview at Oh, for the Hook of a Book

Monday, May 23

Review at Broken Teepee

Tuesday, May 24

Review at #redhead.with.book
Interview at Reading the Past

Wednesday, May 25

Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Thursday, May 26

Review at Puddletown Reviews

Friday, May 27

Review at The True Book Addict

Monday, May 30

Review at A Bookish Affair

Tuesday, May 31

Guest Post at A Bookish Affair

Wednesday, June 1

Review at The Book Connection

Thursday, June 2

Review at Book Nerd
Review at Bookramblings

Friday, June 3

Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog

 



Q & A with John Wagner, Author of Troubled Mission: Fighting For Love, Spirituality, and Human Rights in Violence-Ridden Peru

Please join me in welcoming John Wagner, author of Troubled Mission, to A Literary Vacation! Troubled Mission is John's first hand account of the reality of living and working in a third world country and is chock full of political, spiritual, and physical intrigue. I've included further information about the book and author after the Q & A so please enjoy!

 

 

 

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Hi John! To start off with, please tell us a little about your book, Troubled Mission: Fighting for Love, Spirituality, and Human Rights in Violence-Ridden Peru.

 

 

Troubled Mission is my true—and I hope inspirational—story of what it’s like to try to change your life in very fundamental ways, dealing with the important “big issues” of life we all face: love, spirituality, and what is the essence of who we are, in my case my desire to do human rights work. I try to place the reader directly in my shoes and see directly through my eyes: what I wanted to do, the problems I encountered, how I tried to overcome those problems, and also the desperate situation of Peru during the time I was there, the violence from both the terrorists and the Peruvian government, the repression, poverty, and disease, and somehow despite all that the incredible character and resilience of the Peruvian people. I use a “flat” chronological style, showing what happened, in order to draw the reader in as opposed to trying to paint a picture essentially forcing my conclusions on the reader.


The first question, of course, is why would a successful, middle-aged attorney want to give up a comfortable life style in the US—I lived, and still do, in Sacramento, California—to live in reduced circumstances in Peru, to seek to develop a deeper spirituality, and to work for human rights in what could be a very dangerous situation. I show how this wasn’t an impulsive act just to seek adventure nor was it based on the feeling that there was something wrong with my life. Rather, the desire came as a result of becoming immersed in the Peruvian society as the result of an intensive study tour. Also, I describe how I met Bella, the woman who would change my life, a vibrant Peruvian teacher. While I easily could have tried to develop a relationship with her while continuing to be a lawyer in the US, I am candid that she certainly was a factor in my decision.


Then I show the reality. What’s it like to join a mission order, especially when I wasn’t a terribly religious person to begin with. I make it clear I wasn’t a saint—I was unmarried and very open to relationships with women—and I didn’t want to proselytize or try to get people to go to church. What’s the training program like, what was the mixture of other candidates to be missioners? What were some of the conflicts and issues that arose, as well as some of the deeply moving experiences? What was it like to go to language school where I was the odd man out—one of the few lay people and the only one from my religious order? And how did I stumble into the heart of the drug capital of the world and what was it like there. Then what was it like in Peru, including the big differences between life in Lima, a big city in many ways like any in the US but with much worse problems, and life in the rural altiplano, the high altitude area dominated by indigenous races and belief systems centered around the earth and reciprocity?


Now I get into the “what happened,” not as a history but as an involved observer who at times simply could not believe what was happening. The brutal terrorist assassinations. The horrific government overreactions. The strong popular, meaning “of the people,” organizations. The president overnight becoming a dictator! What is it like to see that? To see a censored newspaper? To see troops attacking lawfully elected senators. To hear a popular radio announcer, host of a nationwide interview program, say, “I’d like to continue my program but there are soldiers in the studio who won’t let me?” Imagine. We have serious problems but we’ve never had anything like that in the US.


Finally, there were two situations in which I was heavily involved. In one, terrorists attacked Alta Perla, a nearby town, killing police and civilians, and I was one of a group of church workers asked to be of assistance. The director of my human rights agency made it clear she didn’t want me to go, although she wouldn’t stop me. Then the Army tried to keep us out of the town. Here I was, in conflict not only with the terrorists but with the Army and even my own agency director. It was there I came to grips with the visceral reality of violent death, in helping to prepare for burial the ravaged body of Dioncia, a pregnant campesina woman. I also describe the effect of the attack on the town and the townspeople.

Then there was the world of working in a human rights agency in a foreign country. The conflicts within organizations and between organizations. The worlds of religious organizations, and of human rights organizations, aren’t at a higher plane of values than other organizations—they have turf wars, political battles, and interpersonal conflicts just like all other organizations. Also, there are vital issues of the role of women versus the role of men, in a variety of circumstances.


Suddenly, for the first time ever, the Peruvian government tried to prosecute a Peruvian human right attorney for doing lawful human rights work, for doing his job. That attorney just happened to be our attorney, Victor, who by now had become my friend. I rushed into an intense campaign to fight for him and the book describes the details of that fight, which would become a landmark case in Peru.


My goal is to have the reader keenly feel these experiences along with me, feel the reality of living in Peru in this situation, all the while feeling my struggle with the ups and downs of a relationship with Bella, and feeling my struggle to achieve a life of more spirituality.

 

 

 

There are a lot of heavy, shocking themes running through the book, made all the more terrifying for the reader given that this is your true story. Do you ever sit back and think, “Wow, I can’t believe I survived that?” Are there any particular moments or memories that still haunt you today?

 

Yeah, there were so many things that could have gone wrong in a hurry I do wonder how I survived. One thing is that, as a tall gringo, I tended to stand out in any setting, even public transportation. Street crime was very bad during that time and I’m still amazed I wasn’t mugged or worse. I never felt targeted by either the military or the terrorists but then I suppose if you were targeted you wouldn’t be aware of it. I tried to always be alert, even to the point of walking down the middle of the street if there were suspicious characters around.


Many memories haunt me, especially the terrorist attack at Alta Perla and helping prepare Dioncia’s body for burial. Her body had been horribly torn apart by the terrorist bombs. I’d never seen such a horribly mutilated body and it was all I could do to keep myself together. I later had PTSD type reactions and for a long time I wondered if I could be intimate with a woman without seeing in my mind her body ripped open and all of her internal organs visible and gouged out. Eventually, I did become able to compartmentalize that and I am able to appreciate the beauty of all people I deal with, including a satisfying intimacy with my wife. In a way, maybe that horrible incident has even helped me—to really and vividly understand, not just intellectually, which I already knew, that everything can be over, or horribly changed, in an instant and all that we really have is our spirit, our essence.

 

I’m not very aware of the many political, social, and spiritual conflicts going on in Peru, but it does seem that there might be some similarities with issues (even if not as extreme) we are facing here in America. Are there any similarities you particularly notice?

Yes indeed. Sometimes I feel like shouting: “Don’t you see what this,” the particular incident, “will lead to?” I realize terrorism and illegal immigration are problems but the current push by some is a dangerous overreaction. And often we don’t even recognize the problem.


In many ways, our society is already in a police state and most of us don’t realize it, or don’t realize how serious it can be. When traveling, I saw once how the Border Patrol literally takes control of US cities near the border, in this case, Douglas, Arizona. Many dismiss the NSA and other electronic surveillance as something that, “doesn’t affect me if I haven’t done anything wrong.” That is SO short sighted and fails to realize all the real problems of a total surveillance state. And the recent “reforms” of the NSA aren’t real reforms at all.


I see in the current support for certain politicians the same attitudes I saw in Peru—“the problems are so bad we have to do something and so what if we violate the Constitution.” Often we forget how important it is to have the rule of law and how that, often—not always—distinguishes us for the better from other countries. One example is that we don’t realize how close we are to censorship, especially self-censorship to avoid confrontations with the governmental. To be trite, we can’t throw out the baby with the bath water!


Every day in the news there are more examples.

With all the themes running through Troubled Mission, is there any point or points that you most hope readers take away from the reading?

There are three main themes weaving through the book: First, seeking and testing love, is it for real, can we trust each other, are we fully compatible? Second, fighting for spirituality. And I mean a fight. We have to dig into our real self, our essence, our spirit, and to do that means digging through the layers of the exterior self that we put on to mask our insecurities from others and from ourselves. Finally, there is the fight for human rights, in this case the fight to prevent the Peruvian government from imprisoning a Peruvian attorney who did nothing wrong—he did his job as a human rights attorney and he did it lawfully. The consequences could be dire and the story is very up and down.


For all of these themes, what I want the reader to take away is that we must confront the issues head-on. The first two themes are timeless and relate to the human condition, any time any where. The human rights theme is more location-specific and time-specific. Most of us, thankfully, won’t be involved in a human rights struggle. But we will be involved in struggles for love, for spirituality. And we will be involved in struggles relating to what we choose to do with our lives.


In a real way, the book is inspirational. The reader can see how these themes are inter-related and how we need deep honesty and authenticity to confront these challenges.

What does a typical day (if there is one) look like for you? How do you balance writing and the rest of your life?

I wish I could say I’m one of these writers who gets up at 4 a.m. and writes for several hours in peace and quiet. Unfortunately, even when I get up at my usual time, say, between 7 and 8, I just don’t feel like writing. After breakfast, I might keep reading whatever book I was reading the night before or even work on the stack of bills always on my desk. Even on good days, I usually don’t start writing before 10 or 11 in the morning.


Three days a week I have to drive across town for my physical therapy and workout program in the afternoon. On these days, I don’t assign myself any writing goals. That’s also when I try to schedule my routine appointments. Two days a week I try to keep clear just for writing. Not that I always succeed. On these days I do have a goal of getting at least a thousand words down on paper, actually, in the “cloud” nowadays. I’m not fussy about this. I don’t require that they be polished sentences at all. If I get a thousand words and know that I’ll have to cut the majority of them I still feel I’ve accomplished my goal. Then I have the freedom to just keep writing as much as I can after that, knowing that’s it’s all “free money’ in a way, it’s all gravy. Sometimes this is where I hit my stride and I really feel I’m writing creatively and “in the zone.”


Now those are “original writing” days. I also spend countless days editing and revising, often far more than I did writing. I probably edit and revise more than some other authors because of my prior legal career. Editing and revising is just a way of life that’s been burned into me. Also, I tend to get much more accomplished on these days because I have a text in front of me. I may change it all around but at least I have a jumping-off point. It’s not like staring at a blank page.


For relaxation, I may watch a movie or something else on TV. I’m not a big fan of TV but I’m not a saint—I can get sucked into shows, especially dramatic series. I must have watched The Sopranos ten times and if a TV channel repeats it now for the nth time, I’d probably get sucked in again and watch it all over again. I’m also a news junkie, especially during election season. When I’m watching a program or a movie on TV, I always have a pen and notebook nearby and I often write notes to myself for future use. Finally, I always like to read something page-turning before going to sleep. I’ve recently discovered Joseph Kanon’s series on intrigues of the post-World War II world and they’re great for night time reading.


I shouldn’t admit it but I’m kind of a hermit and a homebody. Also, I’m at an age where I’ve had “the talk” with my dermatologist and I have to stay out of the sun as much as possible. On some weekends we have get-togethers with my extended family—two step-daughters, one step-son, and my five grandkids, and some friends. I’m generally not big on going out to eat just to try out a new restaurant. And my days of going out to bars are long over.


Music has always been an important part of my life. I discovered the Grateful Dead late, after law school, and I’m still a hard-core Deadhead. And paradoxically I’ve become an opera buff, particularly the operas of Richard Wagner. No, it’s not because we have the same last name and no, I don’t think we’re related. I’ll now think nothing of traveling to Europe for one of his cycles of The Ring, a series of four connected operas. It gets to be an expensive hobby!

 

Are you a big fan of using social media to promote your writing or to interact with readers? How do you prefer to promote your writing?



My publicist is going to hate me for saying this but I’m a real troglodyte with social media. I do have a web site but I’m not nearly as active on it as I should be. The reason is I feel my first priority is to work on whatever book I’m writing and then after doing that all day I don’t have much interest or energy for going back to the computer. I need to get some more blog posts out there and I promise I’ll try to do that. As for the rest of it, I don’t know how to and I don’t really care to spend my time on Facebook or Twitter or Snap Chat or whatever else is available. I’d love to but I just don’t have the time. Now that I’m retired, I realize I only have so much time left and I want to focus on my writing. I’ve gotten to be an ol’ curmudgeon who wants to write and hope that reviews on Amazon and elsewhere will help an audience find me. I know, I know, this is so old school. At least I’m not using pencil and paper!

Finally, I’ve noticed that many writers are also big readers. Have you read anything worth reading recently?

Yes, I’m a voracious reader, a habit I picked up from my mom. I have a wide range of interests. Some of my all-time faves are: Joseph Heller’s Catch 22; all the books of John LeCarré, who I think is unfairly stereotyped as a “spy novelist” and actually is one of the greatest writers of his time, period; everything by the wild and crazy inventor of “gonzo,” Hunter S. Thompson; the poems of Paul Celan and Sharon Doubiago, who are completely different from each other but amazing poets; the works, depressing as they are, of French writer Michel Houellebecq; and what to me is the all time classic of how life can completely change, minute-by-minute, step by step, Fatelessness by Imre Kertész.


Some interesting books I’ve been reading, or re-reading lately include: Edie Meidav’s Crawl Space, a true masterpiece dealing with memory and history; Michael Ignatieff’s political memoir, Fire and Ashes, which really pushes beyond the usual politician’s pat answers and struggles for a deep honesty; and Hilary Mantel’s unheralded A Change of Climate, which appeals to me much more than her recent best-selling bloody historical novels, which I haven’t read. And, as I’ve mentioned, I’ve recently discovered Joseph Kanon who may be the “new” John Le Carré for me. I also like the World War II novels of Alan Furst.


Recently I stumbled onto Wolfgang Herrndorf’s Why We Took The Car, which is actually considered YA literature. It’s very well written, hilarious, and profoundly insightful on coming of age issues in contemporary Germany. Finally, at this exact moment I’m re-reading one of my favorite books of various analytical pieces on Elvis Presley, Kevin Quain’s The Elvis Reader. There are so many more books I like, and new books I want to read, I could go on and on.



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Publication Date: July 17th, 2015

Publisher: Kelly House

Pages: 292

 

 

 

Troubled Mission is John Wagner’s first hand account of the reality of living and working in a third world country during its height of terrorism and counter-terrorism. A successful lawyer in the U.S., Wagner gives up his law practice to work for human rights with a mission organization. While a captivating story of forbidden love, death threats, spiritual transformation, and dramatic physical and legal conflicts, it also compellingly shows the “above the table” and “below the table” political minefield within a mission setting: conservatives versus progressives, lay missioners versus priests, women versus men, missioners working “with the people” versus missioners working in “office jobs” and much more.

 

 

Buy the Book

 

Amazon

 

About the Author

 

 

John Wagner is the author of Troubled Mission: Fighting for Love, Spirituality, and Human Rights in Violence-Ridden Peru. He received a B.A. from Western Colorado State University, an A.M. from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration, and a J.D. with honors from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Wagner was a social worker in Colorado and New England before going to Law School. He then practiced law in Sacramento, CA for three decades and is now retired from law. He is currently a full time writer.

Find out more about John on his website.

 

 



Q & A with Julie Christine Johnson, Author of In Another Life

Please join me in welcoming Julie Christine Johnson, author of In Another Life, to A Literary Vacation! In Another Life sounds PHENOMENAL and I'm really excited to read it as soon as I get the chance. In the meantime, Julie has graciously agreed to answer some questions for me that I hope will really get you excited to read her new book. And, as usual, I'll have information on her book after the Q & A. Please enjoy!

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First off, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by A Literary Vacation! I’m always fascinated to get inside the head of an author and see what inspires them to write the captivating novels that they do. Every author seems to have their own unique approach to their craft and learning that process really helps me, as a reader, get a better appreciation for the end result. So I can’t wait to learn more about your process!

Colleen, I’m thrilled to be here! Thank you for making time for me and In Another Life on your beautiful blog!

I have been a huge fan of historical fiction novels, especially those that jump back and forth through time, showing how the past inevitably affects the present characters, for a while now. There just seems to be an unlimited amount of angles, events and approaches to tackle this story style and satisfy a readers longing for both history and a contemporary setting. In In Another Life, you take the reader to thirteenth century Languedoc and Paris as well as to modern-day Southern France and present a cast of characters battling with both historical fact and mystical belief. Where did you come up with the idea?

I’ve lived in and traveled throughout France, so it seems natural that my first novel would come from this place that is my heart’s second home. In the spring of 2011, my husband and I spent a few weeks in Languedoc and we fell deeply under the spell of its haunting beauty and history. We spent our days clambering around medieval ruins and our evenings reading up on local history, particularly the Middle Ages, while sharing a bottle of gorgeous Languedoc wine. I had no idea then that I was researching a novel, but an image remained with me that I couldn’t shake: a woman, deep in thought, standing on a cliff overlooking the Corbières valley. From the ruins of a Cathar citadel behind her, a man steps out and joins her. I was aching to find out who they were, but I was certain she was from the present and he, from the past. Then I read about the Cathars’ belief in reincarnation and I knew I had my way in to the story. 

What draws you to historical fiction? Are there any particular times in history you gravitate towards or do you just enjoy history in general? Are there any other turning points in history that you would love to write about?

This is where I tell you that it amazes me that I wrote a work of historical fiction! I never thought I had the patience for the research, or that I’d be able to pull off a believable world. But I’m a voracious reader, much of it historical fiction and non-fiction, so in many ways, it felt very natural. Continental European, British and Irish history of any era has always held my attention, as well as that of the Levant. I do have a WWII-era story idea set in France and Germany I’d love to explore. 

What does a typical day in your life look like? When do you fit in time to write?

These days, it’s more a question of finding time to fit in the rest of life. I’m a full-time writer, which means every day, seven days a week. I’m an early riser—I get up around 4 a.m. Those quiet, predawn hours are precious times to write and read. Then I work out, have breakfast with my husband, run errands or clean house, and I’m back at my laptop by 10 a.m. I work until 3 or 4, get out for a leg-stretching, head-clearing walk. Evenings are for cooking, yoga classes, reading. I also lead a 2-hour novels-in-progress workshop two afternoons a/week and I’m a freelance story/developmental editor. 

A lot of authors have become huge on social media, not only promoting their work but interacting with their readers and offering up giveaways, book recommendations, etc. Are you a big proponent of using social media in this way? How do you prefer to interact with your fans?

I don’t know that I’ll ever be comfortable using social media as sales mechanism. I’m there for the conversation, the interaction, and discovery. Writing can be such a lonely endeavor, and engaging with readers and writers is a way to get out of your own head and open it to different perspectives, to share your joy and seek support and offer your heart and help to others. 

Having said that, I will be raffling off copies of books I love to subscribers of my newsletter. It’s my way to support other authors, to share books that have touched and inspired me. And to give something back to my readers!

I’ve noticed that a lot of authors are also big readers. When you have time for leisure reading what sorts of books do you gravitate towards? Have you read anything good lately?

Reading is not only my escape, I consider it an essential part of my job description as a writer. I have at least two books going at any one time, a novel, a volume of poetry, and some sort of writing guide as inspiration and motivation. I just checked my Goodreads stats: 132 books read in 2015. ☺ 

Are you working on any future books at this time? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

At the moment, I’m plowing through revisions of my second novel, The Crows of Beara, which will be published in September 2017 by Ashland Creek Press. Crows is set in contemporary southwest Ireland, with a thread of magical realism woven through (of course: it’s Ireland!). My agent is reading a draft of my third novel (title TBA), which is set in New Zealand, where I lived in the mid-late 2000s. The narrative goes back and forth between an American woman who immigrated to New Zealand and her next-door-neighbor, who is a little girl of Maori descent. I’m also researching a possible sequel to In Another Life. I’ve got my ideas-it would be another past/present setting–but I’d treasure knowing which characters readers would love to see again. 

Thank you, Colleen!

Thank YOU, Julie! Your upcoming books sound wonderful and I'm loving how unique the premises are. That has got to be a hard thing to do with all the books out there, so bravo!! Everyone, check out more about In Another Life below and be sure to pick up your copy as soon as possible!

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Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Publication Date: February 2nd, 2016

Pages: 368

It is January 1208 and in a village on the border between Provence and Languedoc, a monk whispers a benediction over the body of a slain papal emissary. The Cathars—followers of a heretical faith—are blamed for the assassination. The Pope declares a holy war and Languedoc is forever changed. 

Eight hundred years later, historian Lia Carrer returns to southern France to rebuild her life after the death of her husband. Instead of finding solace in Languedoc’s quiet hills and medieval ruins, the woman trying to heal risks love, and loss, again. 

Reincarnation is familiar ground for Lia—an expert in the mystical beliefs of the ancient Cathar faith—but to reconcile the truth of that long-ago assassination, the logical researcher must accept religious fantasy as historical fact. Three lost souls enter her life, each holding a key to the murder that launched a religious crusade in the heart of Europe. 

In Another Life is set amidst the medieval intrigue of thirteenth century Languedoc and Paris, intertwined with Lia's modern quest to uncover the truth of an ancient murder and free a man haunted by ghosts from his past.

Praise for In Another Life

“Delicate and haunting, romantic and mystical, IN ANOTHER LIFE is a novel with an extraordinary sense of place. Fans swept away by Diana Gabaldon’s 18th-century Scotland will want to explore Julie Christine Johnson’s 13th-century Languedoc.” Greer Macallister, author of The Magician's Lie


“In this lovely novel, Johnson shows us the redemptive power of love and second chances through the ages. Evocative of Outlander, In Another Life is a thrilling combination of romance, adventure, and history.” Margaret Dilloway, author of Sisters Of Heart And Snow and How To Be An American Housewife


“Johnson’s heartbroken researcher wends through the lush landscape and historical religious intrigue of southern France seeking the distraction of arcane fact-but instead, like the reader, is transformed by the moving echo of emotional truth. An imaginative, unforgettable tale.” Kathryn Craft, author of The Art Of Falling and The Far End Of Happy

Buy the Book

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Julie Christine Johnson’s short stories and essays have appeared in several journals, including Mud Season Review; Cirque: A Literary Journal of the North Pacific Rim; Cobalt, and the anthologies

Stories for Sendai; Up, Do: Flash Fiction by Women Writers; and Three Minus One: Stories of Love and Loss. She holds undergraduate degrees in French and Psychology and a Master’s in International Affairs.


Her second novel, The Crows Of Beara, a finalist in the Siskiyou Prize for New Environmental Literature, has sold to Ashland Creek Press for publication in fall 2017. In this work of women's fiction, a struggling American PR executive and an enigmatic Irish artist face off over the development of a copper mine in rural Ireland, finding love and redemption amid the rugged, mystical land.


A runner, hiker, and wine geek, Julie makes her home on the Olympic Peninsula of northwest Washington State with her husband. In Another Life is her first novel.

Find out more about Julie on her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

Q & A with Anne Girard, Author of Platinum Doll

I cannot tell you how excited I am to have author Diane Haeger  (pen name Anne Girard) on the blog today! I absolutely adored her previous novel, Madame Picasso, and I've been anxiously waiting for her next gift to readers. My review of her newest, Platinum Doll, will go live in two days but I can tell you right now...it is superb! Clearly I'm a super fangirl so let me give the floor to Diane as she answers some of my questions.

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Diane, please excuse me while I fan-girl out for a minute before we get started! I LOVED Madame Picasso and have been so excited to see what your next novel would be about. Your newest, Platinum Doll, is spectacular and I could not be more excited to welcome you to A Literary Vacation today! So, welcome! :)

What an absolutely lovely introduction! Thank you so much. It’s a pleasure to talk with you, and I’m thrilled you enjoyed both of my Anne Girard novels.

Historical fiction is my all time favorite genre. For me, there’s just nothing better than stepping back in time and peeking into its many corners. Golden Age Hollywood is one of those times that is particularly fascinating to me, with all the glamour pushed to the forefront and the ambition and heartache hidden below. What made you set your newest novel here? What drew you to Jean Harlow in particular?

I love the way you worded that. It truly was a very different time, with glamor taking the front position and, for the most part, everything else (especially the darker parts) was hidden, unlike today. 

I was always fascinated by the stylized photographs of Jean Harlow. Many of them are iconic, but when I first began reading about her, I was surprised to discover that she was only in her late teens and early twenties when they were taken and she began her rise to fame. I had always thought she looked much older, so that intrigued me. It was at that same time in my early research that I discovered that she had eloped at the tender age of 16, and that her husband had come to Hollywood with her. From there, it became as much about the portrait of a fragile young marriage as it was about what it took to become a star in early Hollywood. Both of those elements really hooked me.

Research seems to be a huge part of the writing process for historical fiction authors. What sort of research did you conduct for this story?

It very much is. It’s really the biggest part, I think, for those of us who strive to really take readers on a journey through time, and to be as accurate as possible with it. My own process with a new subject, before anything, is to read literally every biography of the person I can get my hands on. I follow that with books about the time period; costume, history, current events, food, and I consult those daily as I am writing. In the case of PLATINUM DOLL, I worked closely with two noted Harlow experts who were able to answer specific questions I had as I went along. Of course I watched her movies of the period to get a better sense of the way she moved and spoke. I also spent time in Hollywood so that I could experience the places she knew, and I visited the homes she lived in. I was even invited inside of one of them, which really gave me a feel for her life there. Even though it’s complex and time consuming, I love the research for my books almost as much as the writing!

What draws you to historical fiction? Are there any particular times in history you gravitate towards or do you just enjoy history in general? Are there any other turning points in history that you would love to write about?

My bachelor’s degree is in English literature, and I also studied art history, so I think I’ve just always been drawn to great stories through time. The story that absolutely forced me to begin writing 25 years ago was the true story of a young French prince, Henri II, and the older woman, Diane de Poitiers, who helped turn him into a king. It took me 4 years, here and in France, to write. 

To this day, COURTESAN, written under my own name, Diane Haeger, is still my great labor of love. Since then, I’ve been all over the map, historically speaking: I’ve written books about Henry VIII, King George IV, William Tecumseh Sherman, the painter Raphael… and Pablo Picasso. I definitely have more stories—and more time periods I want to write about, but there isn’t really a specific time period that draws me. It’s more the story. 

What does a typical day in your life look like? When do you fit in time to write?

It’s a bit less challenging, to be honest with you, now that I’m an empty nester. On a typical day, I start first—and early, with social media—which I believe is super important for authors. Once I’ve done that, and had enough coffee, it’s off to my office to write. I do that until noon, take a break, and then in the afternoon I tackle research. At any given time, I have 5-6 huge biographies I consult back and forth, 4 costume books, and 2-3 books on history of the period. My office is quite a space! By 4pm I need to give my eyes a break. In the evening, I do my best to read a bit for pleasure, or if I’m blurbing another author’s book, I read that. Most of my days really revolve around books, which is a great joy!

A lot of authors have become huge on social media, not only promoting their work but interacting with their readers and offering up giveaways, book recommendations, etc. Are you a big proponent of using social media in this way? How do you prefer to interact with your fans?

I absolutely am, and I love it! Since selling MADAME PICASSO, I have really had to delve more deeply into that whole world and to educate myself about social media in general because I think it’s a very powerful tool for authors. And also, writing really is a very solitary profession, so I think it’s a great gift to be able to have ways to dialogue with so many people. It’s most definitely an added and enjoyable benefit. I have followers—many who have become friends—all around the world now, several in France, Australia and England. I have two Facebook pages, and I love when readers send me a ‘friend request’ and then hop into the fun conversations we have down on my page, or follow me on Twitter. I do giveaways as well, and will be doing more of them after January 26th when PLATINUM DOLL is released.

I’ve noticed that a lot of authors are also big readers. When you have time for leisure reading what sorts of books do you gravitate towards? Have you read anything good lately?

It’s definitely a challenge to fit in social reading when I always have my nose in a research book, but I think it’s absolutely essential to do it. We learn so much from other authors and it really is nourishing creatively to lose yourself in really good fiction. I don’t actually gravitate toward a specific type of book. I do read historical novels naturally, but if someone has recommended a book outside the genre, that usually goes onto my TBR pile. Lately, I’m crazy about AT THE WATER’S EDGE by Sara Gruen, and not long ago I finally got to MRS. POE by Lynn Cullen since I loved her TWAIN’S END. Loved those!

Are you working on any future books at this time? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

I am absolutely working on a new historical novel based on a true story (my favorite kind!). I am knee deep and loving it, but I’m afraid for the moment the subject is top-secret! I am super excited though to shout it from the mountaintop as soon as I can.

Oh, man, now you have me completely antsy to figure out what you are writing about next! So not far....but I'm really excited so good job there ;). Everyone, find out more about Platinum Doll below and be sure to pick it up as soon as possible!

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Publisher: MIRA Books

Publication Date: January 26th, 2016

Pages: 368

Set against the dazzling backdrop of Golden Age Hollywood, Platinum Doll tells the enchanting story of Jean Harlow, one of the most iconic stars in the history of film. 

It's the Roaring Twenties and seventeen-year-old Harlean Carpenter McGrew has run off to Beverly Hills. She's chasing a dream—to escape her small, Midwestern life and see her name in lights. In California, Harlean has everything a girl could want—a rich husband, glamorous parties, socialite friends—except an outlet for her talent. But everything changes when a dare pushes her to embrace her true ambition—to be an actress on the silver screen. 

With her timeless beauty and striking shade of platinum-blond hair, Harlean becomes Jean Harlow. And as she's thrust into the limelight, Jean learns that this new world of opportunity comes with its own set of burdens. Torn between her family and her passion to perform, Jean is forced to confront the difficult truth—that fame comes at a price, if only she's willing to pay it. 

Featuring a glittering cast of ingénues and Hollywood titans—Clara Bow, Clark Gable, Laurel and Hardy, Howard Hughes—Platinum Doll introduces us to the star who would shine brighter than them all.

Praise for Platinum Doll

“A fascinating, page-turning, behind-the-scenes look at what it took to be a celebrity in early  Hollywood.”  Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of Mrs. Poe and Twain’s End

“An engrossing look at a Hollywood icon. I couldn’t put it down.”  Karleen Koen, New York Times bestselling author of Through A Glass Darkly

"Platinum Doll will entrance readers as Harlow entranced the world."  Heather Webb, author of Rodin's Lover

Buy the Book

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Diane Haeger, who currently writes under the pen name Anne Girard (Madame Picasso), holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in

English Literature from UCLA. A chance meeting with the famed author Irving Stone 25 years ago sharply focused her ambition to tell great stories from history, and write them only after detailed research and extensive travel to the place her character lived. That determination has provided a fascinating journey that has taken her from the halls of Chenonceaux, to a private interview with one of Pablo Picasso's last surviving friends, and most recently an invitation inside Jean Harlow's home.

Since the publication of her acclaimed first novel, Courtesan, in 1993, a novel that remains in print today, her work has been translated into 18 different languages, bringing her international success and award-winning status.

Platinum Doll, a novel about Jean Harlow, is her 15th book. She lives in Southern California with her husband and family.

Find out more about Diane on her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.