Author Spotlight - Excerpt from "That Impossible Dream"

Thank you so much for supporting Shirley during her week in the spotlight. Leave a comment on today's excerpt post, today, Saturday, and Sunday along with your email (so we can get ahold of you) and I'll pick a winner on Monday to receive either a GC to Amazon or B&N or a PDF copy of one of Shirley's novels, "That Impossible Dream," or "Say Goodbye to Yesterday."

Enjoy the excerpt!
Moderator Steph

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She waved a hand to stop him. "Please...don't explain anything. I've already made up my mind anyway. I shall work as your hired governess, Mr. McKenna."

His eyes widened. "But didn’t you think, or assume...I mean, should I not explain?"

At this point, she was not ready to hear what he might have to say. It would only make matters worse. She lifted her cane again, and held it in front of her, so he might get a good hard look at what she needed to get herself around each day. It was what her stepfather carved on it which was most important to her.

"I suppose if you think I'm suitable enough at least for governing a child, Mr. McKenna, then, no, there's nothing to explain right now. After all, what else am I good for? Hmm?"

She glared at him obstinately then turned toward the window, immediately embarrassed at what she just said. After closing her eyes briefly, Geraldine veered back. She shook her head and glanced over at Erin then back at him. "I apologize for that. What I just said was terribly rude. What I meant to say was--" What exactly had she meant to say?

Still she had to add one more jab. "I wonder if this is the time to be discussing my frailties and my inconveniences, especially since I've learned you disapprove of me as much as your brothers did."

He gave her a look of shock. "Disapprove? What made you think...hardly do I--" He stared at her in silence. Finally, he finished. "I was going to explain."

She held up a hand to stop him, fixing her eyes on her skirt. "I've already informed my uncle I'd do this." She lifted her chin. "You see, I want no part of any union with you, sir -- not with any McKenna male. Marriage into your family couldn’t be further from my mind."

He looked stunned. "My grandmother suggested otherwise, Geraldine."

Twisting away and returning to her chair, she pretended to make herself more comfortable. "Whatever your grandmother or my aunt inferred, well, you no longer need to assume it's so. I have clearly changed my mind." Of course, when she said she had no interest in marrying Shaun Alistair McKenna, it was not exactly true -- okay, not at all true. Geraldine crossed her arms, angry with herself once again. She knew deep down, way deep down, she in no manner wanted to let go of the vision she alone held of herself and Alistair together. In truth, she did not want to think about Alistair in any way other than as a dear friend and potential husband. When she dreamed, she would have to make certain it happened only rarely from this point on. There was no reason he need know what might accidentally wander through her thoughts.

Buy links:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-353/Decisions-Book-Two-cln--That/Detail.bok

http://www.amazon.com/Decisions-Book-One-Yesterday-ebook/dp/B005HB7GPY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349308630&sr=8-2&keywords=say+goodbye+to+yesterday

my website: http://shirleykigerconnolly.com
my author page at facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyKigerConnollyAuthor?ref=digest_email#!/ShirleyKigerConnollyAuthor
my twitter: http://twitter.com/shirleyhere

Review snippet from Decisions Book One: Say Goodbye to Yesterday: “From heartache to love to forgiveness and redemption, this novel will leave the reader breathless. The best part of this story is that it's the first in a series so there's more to come! I am excited to see what Ms. Connolly has in store with the second book. Take a trip into time, learn to accept your actions and move on with new friends and a fantastic story line! – Reviews by Molly…Romance Reviews

Author Spotlight - Shirley Kiger Connelly talks about making characters come alive

Story characters are inspired by those we observe throughout our lives, by experiences we've had with friends or acquaintances, both to the good or bad. Often the inspiration for our character comes from what we wish could happen to us or what we hope would never happen, but it’s sure okay for our characters. After all, these are just characters. Even if they fall from the sky, we won't feel a thing.

How about getting a character through a dream, especially a guy character. I could give you many examples of that potential guy, but then I'd have to share him. I'm not prone to pass on what took so long for me to dream up.

The characters in our stories must come alive The last thing we want is to see the character turn into cardboard, with no life-breath, stilted, easy to discard, inanimate, and without interest to the reader.

As you write, ask yourself how interesting your character really is. Does he jump out at you? Is he a person you'd like to get to know or invite into your home one day? Maybe he’s one you wouldn’t dare say hello to.

Oftentimes, we, as writers, need to step back and look with more of an objective eye to make sure our character is substantial to the story, doesn’t lack depth, and doesn’t seem artificial.

How do you avoid those uninspiring, uninteresting little men and women? How can you breathe personality back into them?
1 Give them memories.
2 Give them flaws.
3 Give each a past life.
4 Give yours a terrible memory or a nasty relative.
5 Provide something they want desperately to forget.
6 Make them flawed but find something to give them appeal.
7 Give them feelings; make them noisy or quiet, happy or sad, smiley or frowny.

You get the idea.

Always remember, a character without substance bores the reader in no time. Before you know it they'll close your book and grab another from their TBR pile.

There are numerous ways to inspire your character into that one that the reader finds irresistible--a fragment from someone somewhere. People all around you are interesting to observe. Writers can find them everywhere. It's amazing how quickly we can find that suitable one to fit our story needs perfectly. It works every time.

Buy links:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-353/Decisions-Book-Two-cln--That/Detail.bok

http://www.amazon.com/Decisions-Book-One-Yesterday-ebook/dp/B005HB7GPY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349308630&sr=8-2&keywords=say+goodbye+to+yesterday

my website: http://shirleykigerconnolly.com
my author page at facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyKigerConnollyAuthor?ref=digest_email#!/ShirleyKigerConnollyAuthor
my twitter: http://twitter.com/shirleyhere

Review snippet from Decisions Book One: Say Goodbye to Yesterday: “From heartache to love to forgiveness and redemption, this novel will leave the reader breathless. The best part of this story is that it's the first in a series so there's more to come! I am excited to see what Ms. Connolly has in store with the second book. Take a trip into time, learn to accept your actions and move on with new friends and a fantastic story line! – Reviews by Molly…Romance Reviews

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Shirley Kiger Connelly

STEPH: I don't know much about "That Impossible Dream." What's it about?

SHIRLEY: Geraldine Jordan has lived all her life with an unpleasant disability. She learns the meaning of painful rejection early. Any probability of obtaining a respectable suitor one day to someone like Alistair McKenna the man of her lifetime dreams is slim to none.

When Geraldine is passed off to live with her controlling-zealot Uncle Henry, she grows weary of waiting for that impossible dream -- until a treasured aunt arranges a potential marriage with an esteemed Chicago banker in search of a wife and mother for his young ward. But Geraldine’s disgruntled Uncle Henry whose always believed her unsuitable for any man of status, sets out to block the betrothal. He quickly demotes Geraldine to status of a common servant, hiring her off to a family in need of a governess.

Will the shattered Geraldine be forced to abandon all hope when she suddenly learns the prospective groom-to-be her aunt arranged for her was none other than her life-long love, Alistair McKenna?

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

SHIRLEY: Everything I write seems to me to take forever, Steph. This one took me a year.

STEPH: How much research did you have to do?

SHIRLEY: Since this was the second in my Decisions series, I didn’t have to do too much research except for the area of Chicago, where Geraldine must go. Also, as it is about a young woman with a disability, I didn’t find that difficult either. That’s because my model for Geraldine, has character traits and reactions to her problems that are similar to what I’ve seen in my physically challenged daughter.

STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story within?

SHIRLEY: The cover artist did an awesome job. Since the story is so much about a dream that’s impossible for my heroine, the artist showed the house Geraldine must go to, but with an gated area that looks very difficult to go through. I was more than pleased with her vision.

STEPH: Geraldine is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weakness?

SHIRLEY: Geraldine’s strengths are her determination, her sweet disposition, her faith, and I believe, her stubbornness. Her weaknesses probably would have to be the difficulties she believes she has with her disability. That and her over-sensitivity about how she might look to others. She’s a typical woman, really, who has a thing about her appearance. I decided to emphasize that in the story.

STEPH: What does Alistair find appealing about her?

SHIRLEY: Her perseverance, her uprightness, that he hasn’t seen in most of the women he’s known before, her faith, and that she lives it.

STEPH: What is the theme of the novel?

SHIRLEY: Not to give up, even if things don’t look like they are going the way you might have hoped they would. And if something other than your dreams are headed your way, try to look for the good in them, rather than the bad, no matter how difficult it might be.

STEPH: As a writer, where do you draw inspiration from?

SHIRLEY: Mostly from God. Sometimes from past experiences that have taken place throughout my life or that I’ve seen.

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

SHIRLEY: I use a Kindle. Although I love print books, at night before I go to sleep and whenever I’m traveling my Kindle works best. I really hope to get myself an ipad soon.

STEPH: Fun question: Autumn is the season for baking. Do you do any autumn baking? Pies? Cookies? Specialties?

SHIRLEY: I love to do apple pies and pumpkin pies. Not sure how I’m going to work that this year, since my husband and I are trying to go gluten free. My cookies are the pits, so I avoid them, except for eating of course. Specialties? Baked squash with brown sugar and butter and nuts, scalloped potatoes, fresh clam or mushroom soup. Autumn is my favorite time of year…could it be because I’m a redhead and those are just my colors?


Buy links:

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-353/Decisions-Book-Two-cln--That/Detail.bok

http://www.amazon.com/Decisions-Book-One-Yesterday-ebook/dp/B005HB7GPY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1349308630&sr=8-2&keywords=say+goodbye+to+yesterday

my website: http://shirleykigerconnolly.com
my author page at facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleyKigerConnollyAuthor?ref=digest_email#!/ShirleyKigerConnollyAuthor
my twitter: http://twitter.com/shirleyhere

Review snippet from Decisions Book One: Say Goodbye to Yesterday: “From heartache to love to forgiveness and redemption, this novel will leave the reader breathless. The best part of this story is that it's the first in a series so there's more to come! I am excited to see what Ms. Connolly has in store with the second book. Take a trip into time, learn to accept your actions and move on with new friends and a fantastic story line! – Reviews by Molly…Romance Reviews

Author Spotlight - Excerpt from Say Goodbye to Yesterday

Enjoy this excerpt from "Say Goodbye to Yesterday" by Shirley Kiger Connelly. Leave a comment on this post and 1 lucky winner will be selected to receive a PDF ARC of Shirley's story. Winner will be announced on Monday, 29 AUG on the loop and here in the post. Smiles, Moderator Steph

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Annabelle lifted her head and eyed the creek edge where Geraldine rested in the major's arms. Him again? Coming to the rescue.

She gazed down at her reflection and groaned. A wrinkled face surrounded by long, thick, straggly curls sprawled haphazardly along her shoulders stared back. The last thing Annabelle wanted was to run into the handsome major during another predicament -- this time stranded in the middle of a sloppy creek, soaking wet, bare of foot and ankle, and without some of her undergarments. Yet, there he was, clear as day.

"Ma'am? Were you planning to remain out there forever? Please allow me to come and give you a hand."

She bristled. "I need no assistance. I'm concerned about my daughter. That's all." Her derrière still stung from where she took her tumble. Annabelle would've given anything to have her bustle with her now. It might've protected her from the rocky-bottomed creek or at least given her some needed modesty. Her taffeta sundress still sat bunched, and part of it floated around the top of the water encircling her. What few undergarments she did have on were doing her little good. How am I supposed to rise and get back to my daughter like this with him standing there?

With a clearing of her throat, Annabelle bent her knees to hide her exposed limbs before she dared rise. She continued to stall then looked across again.

Geraldine waved. "He's taking good care of me. When you coming in to put your clothes on?"

The heat rose in Annabelle's cheeks. She reached down for the ribbon ties of her drawers and pulled out the soaked material of her yellow skirts. Once resituated, Annabelle searched for her missing sunbonnet to have something to hold in front of her wet and clinging bodice. When the major stared her way, she slanted her eyes. "Do you mind?"

As if forcing himself to keep a straight face, he nodded. "Not at all. Remember, if you need anything I'm--"

"What I need is for you to look away."

The major lifted a brow. "Of course. Do take note it's a mite slippery out there in one's bare feet." He glanced back along the bank. "By the way, you left your boots up here...and a few other items. I could always bring them out to you."

"No." Annabelle grimaced. She yanked her drenched dress out from its tucks. As water trickled off it, she pulled herself up to her knees and crawled in closer.

"You ain't gonna let my mama drown, are you?" Geraldine asked him.

"I haven't decided," Carlton said with a laugh then tickled Geraldine's chin.

Author Spotlight - Shirley Kiger Connelly talks about her favorite authors

As an inspirational author one would think I would have a favorite inspirational author first. Well, let me see. There are so many out there that are so good. Of course, I lean toward the historical writers first. So, let me toss out Francine Rivers name. She writes so extremely well, because she chooses very difficult subjects, and once she has them down on paper and in a book, she makes it come out so easy. That takes talent. She is very very good at what she does. But I also love the writing of Lynn Austin. There are so many more, I can’t give justice really to any one person. On the secular side, I would have to say Julia Quinn. I absolutely love the way she can write an historical book with such humor in a way that keeps you turning the pages. And most of the time, she doesn’t get too steamy for me. Years ago, it was always Kathleen E Woodiwiss. What a blessing it was to learn from her gift of writing back in the 80s and 90s.

Author Spotlight - Shirley Kiger Connelly talks about her passion for cooking

Both my husband and I love to cook, but he does most of it these days, unless of course we have a gathering of guests. Then I take over. I love to plan big meals and go all out in decorating for the season or function, and then coming up with all kinds of new ideas for what to share with our guests. You draw close to people during a meal. When it comes to grilling, though, that’s my husband’s complete domain.

Author Spotlight - Shirley Kiger Connelly talks about her love for writing inspirational romance.

I chose inspirational writing because I have a message in everything I do. It’s part of me, even if it’s written subtly. Though I don’t write at all like you might see in the old Andy Griffith shows, I remember how they always had a moral. Maybe that’s why I do what I do. I write historical because, as I mentioned in answer to one of your earlier questions, I love the research. I also love the language difference.

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Shirley Kiger Connelly

STEPH: I don't know much about Say Goodbye to Yesterday. What's it about?

SHIRLEY: This is not exactly the blurb, which you can read on the Desert Breeze site, but here is a brief synopses.

Annabelle Lou Jordan walked away from her faith years ago and now faces one set of trials after another. In need of a fresh touch of God's Grace, she's in no hurry to return to her faith.

Her story begins in 1878, several years following the secret delivery of her second child. Still unwed, Annabelle and her two daughters reside in the home of an aunt and reverend uncle where the children live as wards of the church. Annabelle remains convinced she must keep both her physically-impaired girls hidden from the father, who vocalized his distaste for children with imperfections, naturally giving her cause to finally send him away.

But when the community discovers her and her daughters’ fifteen-year-old secret, it changes everything. Booted from town by the church folks and most of the community, Annabelle is forced to take the girls to the father after all. She convinces herself he’s her only choice. If he comes through with his old marriage pledge, her children will finally have the security, home, and future they so desperately need.

But that was before Annabelle found herself drawn to Major Carlton Radcliffe. How was she to know she’d fall carelessly in love with someone far beyond her reach, loyal to the faith she’s fleeing, and possibly pledged to a wife and family of his own?

STEPH: Where did you find the inspiration for it?

SHIRLEY: Part of my inspiration came from the many years I’ve counseled with people who have gone through similar problems. I also found in my historical research that this type of thing was happening a lot more in the 1800s than was ever brought out for our knowledge, and, yes, even in the Christian community. Times have not really changed that much.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

SHIRLEY: FOREVER! (smile). I mean really forever. I am a very slow writer. I must have rewritten this thing a bazillion times. But maybe it’s because I find so much that can be improved upon every time I go through it. (I’m so proud of those who can do four books a year in one fell swoop.)



STEPH: How important is setting to the novel?

SHIRLEY: I love to write about the east coast mostly. There’s so much history back there, but it seems that I find myself pushing westward in my stories during the 1870s and1880s, maybe because so many people were venturing off in that direction back then. I guess I would have to say setting just has to fit with the time and the particular situation.

STEPH: Did you have to do a lot of research for the novel?

SHIRLEY: I did a lot, but I love to do a lot. I see a great importance to dig for what REALLY happened during a certain time. Not just what they SAY happened. Really learning about it. I also love anything that involves military life. That takes extensive research too.

STEPH: Hollywood just told you they want to make a movie of your novel. Cast the leads!

SHIRLEY: Oh, that’s a great question. Well, already I know who my hero would be. I see a young Val Kilmer but with curlier hair and not the blond streaks in my particular story. Okay, whose my heroine? Hmm, let me think. Drew Barrymore could be my Annabelle. For my Geraldine, who plays a very strong role in my book, it would have to be the little girl that was in the recent movie called Matilda, with Danny Devito. But I don’t know her name. (I mostly watch old TCM movies.) When you read the book, you’ll have to picture who the nanny would be. She is in a league all by herself.

STEPH: What do you want people to take away from the novel?

SHIRLEY: Life can be very difficult, and often is for a lot of us. It’s the choices we make that determine the difference in where life will take us, and we need to realize more, how our decisions don’t just affect ourselves, but rather affect everyone around us and not always for the best.

STEPH: Are you a plotter or a panster?

SHIRLEY: More of a pantser than a plotter. After I’m well into the story, I can begin to plot a little better. But I usually write just what comes to mind in the middle of the night or while I’m looking at the computer screen. Maybe that’s why I take so long to flesh out my story.

STEPH: What's your writing space like?

SHIRLEY: My husband built me a great computer stand for my laptop that rolls around wherever I feel like going. I have an office where I keep my printer, but I don’t like to sit in there at my desk. I also have a lovely vintage parlor with a small roll top desk but I can’t sit in a straight back chair for very long. So I go where my mood takes me…out on the front porch, in the parlor on the small couch, in the living room, wherever.

STEPH: Tell us a little about the state you live in.

SHIRLEY: Right now I’m on the southern coast of Oregon. It’s beautiful. Have lived by the ocean for years, back east, up north, down in California, and right now I can see parts of the Pacific Ocean right from our front yard. But I would rather be in Texas, I think. Somewhere around Austin

Author Introduction - Meet Shirley Connelly

STEPH: Welcome to Desert Breeze. Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up?

SHIRLEY: Thank you for the welcome, Stephanie. It’s great to be here at Desert Breeze. As a graduate of Institute of Children’s Literature who started off writing for children, I now wear different hats. On my creative side, I pen fiction romances laced with nuggets of inspiration. When I’m wearing my more logical thinking cap, I write lighthearted nonfiction devotional books. I’m also a teacher, I speak at women’s retreats and luncheons, and at home, I’m an active mom and grandma. I love rearranging furniture, cross-stitching and doing needlework. My evenings are spent watching classical movies on TCM. And last but not least, I adore animals, especially chickens, dogs, cats, ducks, geese, you name it. You can find me often on the Social Networks, over at ACFW, or Hearts Thru History, and also FHL when I’m not at my blog promoting other authors or sharing writing tips. I’ve traveled extensively but grew up in the Pacific Northwest. I seem to have back ended here again.


STEPH: Who were some of your favorite authors growing up?

SHIRLEY: Beverly Cleary was one, and whoever wrote The Hardy Boys, and The Bobbsy Twins, and some ballerina book I read till it fell apart (didn’t concentrate on who authors were back then). When I started reading romances, it was Kathleen E. Woodiwiss all the way. (Since the heroine tried to be good until she was married most of the time, I didn’t have to skip too many pages. smile)

STEPH: What romantic subgenre do you write?

SHIRLEY: Historical-Inspirational a bit on the edgy side. I like stories that are realistic as life itself.

STEPH: You have an upcoming release with Desert Breeze. Tell us about it.

SHIRLEY: Say Goodbye to Yesterday is about an unwed mother who is booted from town when the truth is revealed about her and her daughters. Now without a home, she must take her girls to locate the father and force a forgotten wedding pledge. What she won’t anticipate is how love will beckon her instead to an irresistible man, already quite married.

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

SHIRLEY: Yes, I do. I got myself a Kindle last summer. I love it. I’m always telling others to check out this ebook stuff.

STEPH: Do you have any other books that are availabe?

SHIRLEY: I do, Stephanie. I’ve already written two novels, Flame from Within is still available, but my first story, It Happened Near the Cliff Rock is now out of print. I have two lighthearted devotional books available and one coming out any day now. (Great stocking stuffers, by the way.) I See God in the Simple Things, I See God in the Thorns ~n~ Thistles, and I See God on the Narrow Road.

STEPH: Can you tell us about the state you live in?

SHIRLEY: I live in Oregon. I grew up not liking it much except for the greens and the beautiful trees and Crater Lake and going to the coast. Other than that, I’m not too much of a drizzly rain girl. We lived in Washington for a while, up in Seattle. Although it looked similar to Oregon, I have many more fond memories of my five years there. But if I had my preference to living anywhere, even though I know you didn’t ask me, I think it would be back east again. There, I love the history. I love the tradition. I love the seasons, especially fall.

STEPH: What country would you like to visit that you haven't?

SHIRLEY: The rest of the United Kingdom, I think, also Italy.

STEPH: Did you do NaNoWriMo this year?

SHIRLEY: I didn’t do NaNoWriMo this year, but I’m a part of FINISHTHEBOOK which is probably similar if it means finishing a book in a specified time. Tell us about it. Can I tell you it was there I made it the first time through the book now being published at Desert Breeze?

STEPH: Where can we find you on the web?

SHIRLEY: Readers can visit me at Shirley Kiger Connolly ~ Author over at http://shirleykoinonia.tripod.com/ but most of the time I’m at my blog http://apenforyourthoughts.blogspot.com/ Would love to see you come by anytime.