Now, I am looking forward to her new novel, The Legend of Dixie Dandelion. One of the joys of having writer friends is experiencing the birth of our characters with each other. I've seen a lot of Dixie in Ruth (in fact, these days, we call Ruth "Dixie,") and I was with her when she found the perfect personification for Jackson at the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City.
Here's just a tidbit of the author behind Soldiers From The Mist:
JAN: Your book, Soldiers From The Mist was recently published by High Hill Press. Your story differs in a unique way from how other Civil War stories have been told. Can you explain how this story came to you, and how you decided to tell it in this way?
RUTH: First of all, I want people to know that Soldiers From the Mist is more than yet another Civil War story. It is unique in that it is channeled information that came to me from the ghosts that haunt my house. In fact, the main protagonist, Charles Ely, is my distant cousin. These ghosts were trapped in time and had waited for me for 150 years so that I could write their story and bring their message of love to the forefront. By doing this, they were able to cross over and rest in peace. (Jan's note: The "Whisperings" chapters in Soldiers From the Mist are fascinating. These chapters describe those moments when the ghosts came to talk to Ruth. Though I enjoyed all of the book, I could hardly wait to get the the "Whisperings.")
JAN: What have you found to be your biggest challenge as a writer, and what are you doing to overcome that challenge?
RUTH: Finding time to write is my biggest bug-a-boo. I work full time which means I do most of my writing at night and on the weekends. Trying to cram house cleaning, grocery shopping, bill paying, day-to-day living, and writing into that small amount of time is a challenge. I think every successful writer struggles with this problem even if they don't work outside the home. But dishes in the sink and laundry crawling out of the hamper is a small price to pay for the next New York Times Bestseller. I'll hire a maid with my royalities.
JAN: Any new projects you'd like to tell us about?
RUTH: I am working on my next novel, The Legend of Dixie Dandelion. I love Dixie! She is a scarlet-haired, spit-fire who tames the wild west with the help of Pinkerton Detective, Jackson McCullough,the love of her life. I know I was her in a previous lifetime.
"Jackson and Dixie" |
RUTH: I am a more confident wrtier today than I was six months ago. As a beginninger, I questioned my voice and style especially when I heard the polished, elegant words that other writers in my critque group, The Northwest Arkansas Writers Workshop, wrote. I tried to emulate them only to discover it didn't work; that I wasn't staying true to who I am. Each person brings her own uniqueness to the table and none is better or worse than the other. Variety is the spice of life. Of course having a published book that has been so well-received doesn't hurt either.
JAN: Why do you write?
RUTH: To create! It's such a high to pull characters, locations, events, and situations out of the thin air and make up an interesting story about them; to be able to escape into a different time and lose yourself in the pages. Creativity keeps your brain active and your heart forever young.
JAN: Thanks for the interview, Ruth! I can't wait to see what other stories you create from the characters, locations, events and situations you "pull out of thin air!"
Leave a comment by Monday, May 16
for a chance to win an autographed copy of
Soldiers From The Mist.
Winner will be notified on this blog and on Facebook.
Learn more about Ruth on her blog:
http://www.truthsbyruth.blogspot.com/
To order Soldiers From The Mist:
Contact Ruth at rhbweeks@sbcglobal.net
OR
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606530399/ref=cm_pdp_rev_itm_img_1
Thanks Jan and Ruth for this post. I didn't know about the house ghosts. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree with Jan. You have found your voice, Ruth, and it is fabulous.
Ruth, Your book trailer is incredible--love the images and music. What an outside-of-the-box premise for your story, sounds captivating! I'm encouraged that you find "focus time" difficult to manage, also--maybe there IS hope for me. :-) I will be adding "Soldiers From the Mist" to my TBR pile. I'm also eager for the availability of "The Legend of Dixie Dandelion." The title, alone, is provocative. Best wishes--hope you sell bou cou books!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting, LeAynne. You'll have to read about the ghosts - my favorite part of the book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, too, Palooski65. You'll love "The Legend." Though I get to hear bits and pieces in our critique group, I too, am eager for Dixie to be released!
Great interview. Congratulations, Ruth. I can't wait to get the book. I loved the trailer and the cover. Well done. Having heard excerpts, I am also eagerly awaiting the arrival of Dixie in print.
ReplyDeleteBrenda Brinkley
Thanks for commenting, Brenda. I know you're going to love Dixie Dandelion!
ReplyDeleteRuth, It's been a delight to watch you grow as a writer. Jan, thanks for showcasing the wonderful authors you know. Always inspiring!
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. I love to hear Ruth read. She creates wonderful characters and breathes life into them. She captures the emotion of the moment and pulls the reader right into the action. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is a great book trailer. And a great interview.
ReplyDeleteJan, you've outdone yourself with this interview. I also look forward to reading Ruth's work. Aren't we a blessed lot of writers? XO,
ReplyDelete