Interview and Giveaway with Kathleen L. Maher

 Happy Saturday everyone! I'm excited to introduce you to an author I have known 'virtually' for most of my writing career, Kathleen Maher. I was first introduced to her writing through her novella Bachelor Buttons, which was a really great story and hooked me on her writing. She now has released not just one but TWO books this month and is here to share the joy with us at Stitches Thru Time. 

Welcome Kathleen! We're so glad you could visit us today. Tell us about your book.

Thank you Amber!  It’s such a thrill to be here and share about my new arrivals. I have twin book babies, actually. One is a Civil War romance The Abolitionist’s Daughter, and the other is a novella in Barbour’s beautiful new Victorian Christmas Brides collection.

 

Where did the inspiration for your story come from?

 Both stories center on history from my hometown Elmira, NY.  Elmira is little known, but played key parts in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and in women’s rights. I felt this history was in danger of obscurity, and wanted to capture it in story.

That sounds fascinating. What was the funnest thing about writing this story?

I love research and visiting sites and talking with people who have kept history alive. But hands down, the biggest thrill for me was learning of a group of people dedicated to creating a museum to preserving and promoting local history. Kindred spirits! I just recorded a brief video on site of the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp Museum. It can be found on my facebook author page FB.com/KLMaherAuthor

How does your faith and spirituality work in with your writing? 

History really is the story of God’s courtship with the human race, and to tell stories without that heavenly hand of influence would be revisionist or lacking, in my opinion. I see even in academic texts and first-person narratives the work of Divine Providence. It is my delight to show the ways I have seen the Lord work, even in the stories of fictional people. God is always righting wrongs, and lending aid and guidance when we get tangled in our human folly! It can be tragic or funny, or just plain inspiring. I love it when God hits a home run!

Why did you choose this genre?

Romance appeals to every part of my heart. I believe God’s relationship with us is a divine romance, and the love of a woman and a man symbolizes the ways He attempts to woo us and capture our hearts.

And for me, there is a nostalgic thrill in exploring times past, where people were more connected to animals and nature and simplicity. I love a hero who works hard with his hands, loves animals, and proves himself to his woman!

What are you working on next? 

I have already written the sequel to my Civil War romance and will be editing it for Indie publication. I also have a few novella proposals out that I hope to hear back on. But I’m really excited about an idea I’ve been working on—it’s a departure for me. It’s a comedic romance, something on the order of Shrek meets the Princess Bride, with a Medieval setting. I hope to write it as a playfully satirical look at how people with disabilities have been viewed in times past and even today, exposing superstitions, ignorance and misunderstanding. I guess all of my works have a social awareness message.

 

Oh wow. That's very interesting. Looks like you have some great stuff going on. Thank you so much for being with us! 

Thanks Amber! It’s been a pleasure being your guest.

I’m offering a giveaway of winner’s choice of one of my books, plus a rafflecopter during my blog tour now through November. http://gvwy.io/48sxkxc

Would love to chat with your readers a bit. QUESTION: What story or movie tugged on your heartstrings about a social justice issue? Did it change your perspective?

Good luck to everyone! 

About Kathleen:

Kathleen L. Maher has had an infatuation with books and fictional heroes ever since her preschool crush, Peter Rabbit. She has a novella releasing with BARBOUR in the 2018 Victorian Christmas Brides collection, featuring her hometown of Elmira, New York. Her debut historical, Bachelor Buttons, blends her Irish heritage and love of the American Civil War. She won the 2012 ACFW Genesis contest for her Civil War story, releasing this summer under a new title The Abolitionist’s Daughter. Kathleen shares an old farmhouse in upstate New York with her husband, children, and a small zoo of rescued animals.

Follow Kathleen

on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLMaherAuthor/

on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mahereenie

and on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/kathleenlmaher