November 28, 2014

Author Interview with Barbara Edwards

Barbara Edwards is here to tell us about her series, Finding Rhodes End and her newest release, Ancient Curse

Please tell us about your series, Barbara.

Ancient Curse is the 3rd book in my Rhodes End Series.

Welcome to Rhodes End.

On the surface, nothing distinguishes Rhodes End from a thousand other small towns. More than half the population works at regular jobs, have normal families and lives. Farmers, shopkeepers, teachers and other townspeople are unaware of the ‘different’ ones. The dark undercurrents never touch them.

An ordinary tourist tooling up the scenic road may tell friends of the charming village, but only the harmless or the expected find it easily. The basic rules of space and time seem the same, but magic can occur along with paranormal activity. In fact, those with paranormal senses find them stronger, more reliable.

Rhodes End is located on a confluence of magnetic ley lines that draws magic and paranormal activity. Rhodes End dog-legs the Northeastern corner of Connecticut, the hip pressing against Massachusetts while the paw scratches into Rhode Island.

Rhodes End rarely appears on maps due to boundary and settlement disputes. Less than an hour from Hartford, Boston or Providence, major highways cut through the hills less than a mile away.

The ley lines are the same lines that pass under Stonehenge, the Great Pyramid, Machu Pichu and Anasazi ruins in Arizona. Their mystical power is recognized by ancient religions. The power existed before the Caucasian influx chased away the small tribes who used the site to call their spirits. Nothing is noted of the even older pictographs in the deep caves.

Quote from Ancient Awakening: This stretch of woodland and water along River Road was her favorite. Moonlight sent slivers of silver across the rippling water. A raccoon washed a bit of food from a perch on a fallen tree. The frost had emptied the footpath of joggers. “I’m near the North Bridge and heading back through the center. The moon’s barely risen, but the starlight’s so bright I can see frost along the riverbanks. I expect to hear a wolf howling.”

Title: Ancient Curse (Book Three)
Series: Finding Rhodes End
Author: Barbara Edwards
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Release Date: November 5th 2014
Page Count: 238
Rating: Spicy (PG13)

BOOK LINKS:

Ancient Awakening (Book One):

Ancient Blood (Book Two):

1. What inspired you to write this book?

The entire series started with a nightmare about the cemetery next to the house I grew up in. I love all the quirkiness of New England and its inhabitants.

2. Dreams/nightmares often inspire me as well. How did you come up with the names for your hero and heroine?
In Ancient Blood, Cole was easy since his hair is an inky black and I wanted him to be dark and mysterious. Of course, I named her Lily as in Lily white, his opposite.
3. What would women find irresistible about your hero?
All my heroes have a flaw and need help to heal inner wounds. Steve Zoriak, from Ancient Awakening, fears the mutation caused by his exposure during a lab accident will keep him from ever consummating his love for Mel. In Ancient curse, Cole can’t get over the death of his first wife and his guilt. Thomas from Ancient Curse won’t risk Rainie’s life when he can’t escape his past. What woman can resist?
4. A flawed man is the best man. If you have a pen name, can you explain how you came up with it?

I use a pen name to please my husband. When I started writing, stalkers were active with many authors. Since he is a retired police sergeant he was concerned with my safety.

5. Smart thinking! What are a few things we would find in or on your desk?

A lump of coal. My husband gave it to me as a joke about diamonds. I keep it to remind me that if you want something, sometimes you need to create it yourself.

6. I thought the coal might’ve meant you were naughty. I like what it really stands for more. Is there a teacher you would like to personally thank for his/her influence?

Hazel Robinson, from Prospect Street School, posted poetry for us to memorize every week. It gave me a love for the flow of words that has kept me writing and hoping to achieve that level of skill.

7. If you could give your book to anyone in the world to read who would it be and why?

My sister, Patricia, would love to read anything I write. She passed away from diabetic complications before I was published. She always kept hope alive and shared love like it was endless.

I’m sorry for your loss, Barbara! I bet your sister is proud.

8. Share three random facts about you.

I have a Belgian Malinois that we adopted from a shelter.
I love to garden and have several antique roses.
My home is a small Gothic Victorian built in 1872. We restored the inside and left the original wraparound porch. I cut the gingerbread to restore it.

9. What lessons did you learn early on in your writing career?

The only way to finish a book is to ignore life and write.

10. If you could write anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

 I love Hawaii. I could sit on the beach and inhale the scent of ocean a frangipani forever

AUTHOR BIO:

I’m Barbara Edwards and a native New Englander. I’m a graduate of the University of Hartford with a Master’s degree in Public Administration. I write poetry for myself and novels when I need to tell a longer tale. I’m fascinated by the past so naturally turned to writing historical romance. The dark paranormal stories evolve from nightmares. The romance comes from my belief in people’s basic goodness and longing for love.

I lived in Florida for several years and am past president of the Central Florida Romance Writers and a member of Romance Writers of America.

When I returned to Connecticut, I founded the Charter Oak Romance Writers, a Chapter of Romance Writers of America, along with several close friends.

My husband is a retired Police Sergeant. We share an interest Civil War re-enacting and travel the Eastern states to participate in events. I love visiting museums, galleries and battle sites, gathering information for my stories.

I taught Romance Writing at Manchester Community college for three years. I’m fond of gardening and growing antique roses with limited success. Most of my exercise is when my Belgian Shepherd, Dixie, demands a walk. 
                          
AUTHOR LINKS:


Thanks for telling us about your series, Barbara!

Please leave a comment for her!


47 comments:

  1. Hi chrys,
    Thanks for hosting me today. You have a lovely site.

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    1. You're welcome, Barbara. Although I realize with it being Black Friday a lot of people are out and about. I shared this post everywhere I could though to get you comments/views. And thanks! :)

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  2. Barbara, loved your interview, especially how the idea for the series came to you in a dream, too cool!!! And the part about your husband giving you a lump of coal. LOL

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  3. Excellent interview! I agree that inspiration can come from the most unlikely of places...even cemeteries!

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  4. This series sounds fascinating. First, I love the setting of New England and it sounds like the mystic reputation is based on some little known facts. Nice to meet you Barbara! Thanks Chrys :)

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed Barbara's interview and are interested in her series, Lisa. :)

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  5. Dreams can sure inspire, I've had quite a few inspire

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  6. You're so lucky to have inspirational dreams. Mine are a jumbled mess.
    I loved the blurb. Good luck

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  7. Your Rhodes End sounds like a fascinating place! And the book sound delightful, as well. I live about four miles from a Civil War battlefield in Missouri. I love attending reenactment activities.

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    1. I would love to see a reenactment of the Civil War one day.

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    2. I've made a lot of good friends at reenactments who also love history.

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  8. Loved the interview, Good luck with the book Barbara.

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    1. Thanks for leaving Barbara a comment!

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    2. Thanks for the good wishes. The next book is in the works.

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  9. great interview, your book sounds fantastic, Barbara! I'm so sorry about your sis. And I LOVE Hawaii. Went to Maui a few times for family vacations as a teen (and the Big Island once) and it's really the most amazing place.

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    1. I've never been to Hawaii, but my mom lived there when she was younger. She thinks it's the most amazing place as well. :)

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    2. I've been twice and would live there if I won the lottery.

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  10. Living next to a cemetary can't be good for a person with an active imagination!

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  11. Great interview, Chrys! I enjoyed hearing Barbara's insight on the characters.

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    1. thanks for the comment Cherdo. Nice of you to visit.

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    2. I'm glad you enjoyed her interview, Cherdo. :)

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  12. I love the consept of your story, Barbara! I see you love museums. I use to work at Old World Wisconsin as a costumed intrepreter. Did you ever get there?

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    1. Your comment had gone to my spam folder for some reason, Ilona. Sorry about that!

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  13. I wish to interview great authors too. I have ideas now. Thanks.

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    1. It's a neat experience, SuperLux. And incredibly easy. Many authors are looking to be interviewed. :D

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    2. I'm sure you'll like it. Chris is a great example.

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  14. You're a born interview, Chrys. The symbolism behind the coal is inspiring. I dare say we all have something that keeps us working towards our goals.

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  15. Great to learn about his writer. I can see how that cemetery must have influenced her writing. Cemeteries next door are always grist for the mill. Congrats to her.

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    1. Thanks for your comment, C Lee! I'm glad you enjoyed Barbara's interview. :)

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  16. Hey, Chrys, I will love reading Barbara's book. Fantastic idea to write about. Who wouldn't love to read a book titled Ancient Curse? The setting is perfect for such a story. I'm very sorry about your sister. I have diabetes so I understand 'diabetic complications'. What a great interview, you two. Lovely to meet you and learn about your writing, Barbara.

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    1. Thanks Robyn. Take care of yourself and enjoy the book

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    2. I'm glad you loved this interview, Robyn! I hope you enjoy Ancient Curse! :)

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  17. Sounds like a book I'd enjoy! I love how she came up with the names. Simple and fitting.

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