Sunday, October 21, 2012

Introducing---The amazing Laurie Alice Eakes!

What do romance, mystery, intrigue, and elegance have in common? All of them could be used to describe a novel by our guest this week.....Laurie Alice Eakes. I was privileged to meet Laurie at the ACFW conference in Dallas and am so blessed she decided to do this interview for all of us. Getting to know the "real" person behind the "writers" who write the delicious books we read is a real treat. So without futher ado, I will hand the stage over to Laurie so we can learn more about her and her writing. Don't foget to sign up for the giveaway at the end, Laurie's wonderful book A Necessary Deception, the first in her "The Daughter's of Bainbridge House" series.

WELCOME LAURIE!!

1 – Laurie, what’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever done for research?

            I went sailing on an eighteen century frigate, the same vessel used in the movie Master and Commander. Climbing the rigging was a little scary, and I had to know what the roll of the ship felt like above the deck. And a body needs some muscles to haul lines.

Wow, how fun! I would love to tour a sailing vessel!

 2 – If you could have dinner with one of your characters, who would you chose and why?

            Dominick would probably be my choice. He’s someone who would be a good conversationalist no matter what the circumstances and would know how to put even a shy person at ease over the poached salmon or roast beef, or whatever the meal.

Oh, Dominick would be my pick too! I can imagine him sprinkling the conversation with well-chosen antidotes! And of course, Tabitha would have to come along.

3 – How did you come up with the idea for The Midwifes series?

            I was studying the history of medicine in graduate school and ran across information on midwives. Unlike other women, they had a great deal of power and respect, and even fear of them, in society. Midwives, for example, were among the few women who were allowed to testify in a court of law. Their wisdom and ideas of cleanliness—new to doctors—and other ethical principles fired my imagination.

That is interesting! Makes me think of the new British drama "Call the Midwife".

4 – If you could pick one character and live the life of that character, who would it be?

            I can’t decide between Phoebe from Heart’s Safe Passage and Cassandra from A Flight of Fancy. Phoebe gets to live in the mountains of Virginia, one of my favorite places, yet in a town, so civilized, and is married to Rafe, but then, Cassandra gets Whittaker and gets to do fun things like mix dangerous chemicals and fly in balloons while living in an English country manor.

Oh, definitely Cassandra! English country manors hands down!

 5 – You’ve been contracted for a three book Regency series with Zondervan, plus many of your other novels have a Regency theme. Thus, I assume you love Jane Austen. Which of her novels is your favorite and why?

            I’ll answer the last question before making my confession. Emma is my favorite austen novel because I like Emma’s personality and the way she grows in the story. Now for the confession—I never read Jane Austen until a few years ago and have still never read Sense and Sensibility and didn’t finish Mansfield Park. You see, Georgette Heyer and Patricia Veryan, Jo Beverley and Clare Darcy, 20th century writers, got me interested in the Regency. After them, Ms. Austen’s books are a little slow for my taste, though I won’t deny her wonderful portrayals of human nature.

Emma is one of my top favorites too! And Georgette Heyer is soo good! I read and reread her novels!

 6 – Do you listen to music when you write? Have you ever been inspired by a particular movie soundtrack?

            Music is important to me, and I listen to it a great deal. . .but not when I write. I find it distracting. Being the historian and romantic that I am, I simply adore old movies with actors like Humphrey Bogart and either Hepburn lady. That said, “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s has a fascination for me. My characters are like the characters in the song—two people drifting, trying to find their ways in the world in one way or another, and needing one another to make life’s journey together. Can’t you tell I spend much of my brain power in the past? I love a number of more contemporary movies, and they don’t seem to work well for my historical fiction inspiration.

Love old movies too! Anything with Gregory Peck or Clark Gable is a winner!

 7 – In doing your research about the Regency era, what research or fiction books have you found most helpful?

            Google Books has been an invaluable source. I use it constantly, especially in researching A Flight of Fancy and the history of ballooning. I also love Social Life Under the Regency and A Regency Companion. And I could go on and on with the wonderful books I have uncovered in used bookstores and at garage sales and. . .

I’d never heard of either of these, but got A Regency Companion from the library and it’s a definite gem!

 8 – Have you ever taken a trip to England? If so, what did you enjoy the most about it?

            Alas, although I have been to the continent three times, I have never gotten to England. Portugal may be my favorite country I’ve visited so far.

Sounds as if you are very well traveled! Would love to visit the continent, although England would probably be my first stop. J

9 – If you could go back in time to any era, which era would you choose and why?

            This one always stumps me, but I think I would go back to Colonial Williamsburg. The collective minds that gathered there absolutely must have been amazing to listen to speak, and I love eighteenth century fashions.

Sigh…eighteenth century fashion!

 10 - Tell us a little about your newest release?

A Flight of Fancy, the second book in the Daughters of Bainbridge House series, just released. It is the story of Cassandra, who makes some bad choices and suffers the consequences that cost her her fiancé and nearly her life. Choices of the Heart, the third of the midwives books, releases in January. This is the story of Esther, who is Dominick and Tabitha’s daughter. A tragedy sends her running away to the mountains, where she ends up in the middle of a family feud. Don’t worry. I don’t kill off Tabitha or Dominick.

 
Whew! Having Tabitha or Dominick die would be just too much!
 
THANKS FOR STOPPING BY, LAURIE!!
Well, ladies and gentleman, there you have it, some of our curiosity satisfied finding out more about Laurie and the in's and out's of her writing life. Thanks so much for stopping by Laurie and giving us all those juicy tidbits about yourself and your books!  For all you regency fans, I have a special GIVEAWAY this week, Laurie's first book in her recent series, A Necessary Deception. You will love this book as much as much as I did as it is wonderful! Leave your comment along with your email address and I will pick a winner this Friday. Don't forget to also get Laurie's newest book, Flight of Fancy, which has just been released and is available right now on amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble.com, and in your local Christian book store. You can also find out more about Laurie at her website: http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com/
 
 
 
***This is going to be a busy week here! While we are enjoying having Laurie here with us this whole week, on Wednesday, we will also be taking a sneak peak at my friend Julie Lessman's newest book coming out on November 9th, called "A Light In The Window". This is a prequel to Julie's first book "A Passion Most Pure", Book 1 in her Daughters of Boston series. So stop by Wednesday as I let you readers in on the details all about this soon to be released (in Kindle format) book by Julie!
 
 
As always, happy writing and reading!
Amanda


33 comments :

Marissa said...

I have yet to read any of Laurie's books, but I can't wait! They all look so good-especially the Midwives series.

Thanks for the interview Amanda and Laurie!!

marissamehresman(at)aol(dot)com

journeystojoy.net said...

I SO ENJOY LAURIE'S BOOKS and look forward to her newest.

I just finished reading Heart's Safe Passage - oh was it GOOD!
I'm always looking for her name for another release.

Will be watching for Julie's E-Book introduction coming up.

See you at the conference in Jackson in six days, Amanda!
Hugs,

Ruth Kyser said...

I enjoy your books, Laurie - and would love to win one. Great interview too!

ruth.kyser@gmail.com

Debbie Lynne Costello said...

Great interview, ladies. Dominick was definitely one to cause the reader to swoon. My crit partner and I talked about him. LOL>

Mary said...

I recently discovered Lauri Alice Eakes books, what a treat they are!
Curious if the answe to question 1 in your interview was part ofthe rexearch for "Heart's Safe Passage"?
I am reading that right now and highly recommend it.
majik47(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I love books!!!! I would love to sink my teeth into this one, then pass it along to all my girls who love to read as much as their mother :)
corningfamily(at)eastlink(dot)ca

Debbie Curto said...

Would love to win! Thanks for the chance!

Debbie Curto said...

Forgot to leave my email!
likesmusic2@consolidated.net

hmommy said...

Thanks for the interview - always neat to see the "behind the book."
hartmommy(at)gmail(dot)com

Tam631 said...

Sounds like a lovely bunch of books to read, thank you for introducing us to a great writer!

Posbus4me at gmail dot com

Megan Parsons said...

I would love to win a book from Laurie! Thanks! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com

spangldlady said...

I haven't read Laurie's work yet but am anxious to read one such as this one. Please add my name to the drawing. Blessings! Darlene

spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com

Amanda said...

Laurie says:

Thank you, Amanda, for doing this interview and give-away. And thank you Joy, for saying such kind things about my books.

Marissa, I hope you find the opportunity to read my books and like them when you do. Writing is the funnest gig in the world, and it's readers who make it possible for me to be a writer.”

Ladette said...

I don't think I have read anything by Laurie yet (cringe), but I would LOVE to!! Thanks for the interview and the giveaway!!

ladettek[at]gmail[dot]com

Sarah Holman said...

Fun interview! I would love to read this book!

thedestinyofone(at)juno(dot)com

Amanda said...

Hi, Marissa! Yes, the Midwives series is AMAZING! One of my favorites of Laurie’s books!

I haven’t read Heart’s Safe Passage yet, Joy, but soo want to! Looking forward to seeing you too!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Ruth!

Hi, Debbie Lynn! Dominick was one of my favorite LAE heroes too!

I’m not sure, Mary, but I think it was probably part of Laurie’s research for Heart’s Safe Passage, and many of her other books to. I’m guessing a sailing ship could apply to research for several of her novels.

Consider yourselves entered, Debbie and hmommy! Thanks so much for stopping by!

You’re very welcome, Tami!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Meagan and Darlene!

Love your name, Ladette! Very elegant sounding. :) A Necessary Deception is a great LAE book to start with!

Anonymous said...

Laurie, what a wonderful interview.

pol said...

I love reading books like this one so would be very interested in your drawing, thanks for sharing
Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

Susan Stahley said...

I need to start reading her books with the first book in the series.

I would love to win this one though!

luvsherfam @ gmail dot com

Connie Porter Saunders said...

We have recently added Laurie's books to our inspirational collection at Fleming County Public Library. So glad for this interview and thanks for the giveaway!
Connie
cps1950@gmail.com

eyeballlucy said...

I would love to win and read Laurie Alice Eakes new book 'A Necessary Deception'....sounds soooo good......babyruthmac16ATyahooDOTcom

Roseanna White said...

What a lovely interview! I don't need to be entered, as I already own two copies of A Necessary Deception (one earmarked for my church library), but I had to stop by to say hello to two of my favorite people!

Naomi Rawlings said...

What a fun interview. But I'd have to pick Rafe over Dominick, sorry, Laurie Alice.

And no, I don't need to be entered in the giveaway, but it's a fun interview.

And yes, totally not a huge Jane Austin fan. :-)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the interview.
Lori
jlipayer@att.net

Anonymous said...

We have Laurie's book, "A Necessary Deception", in our church library.
Thanks for entering me in the contest.
Janet Estridge.
von1janet@gmail.com

Laurie Alice Eakes said...

Ah, Naomi, you just like that 600 word kiss in Heart's Safe Passage, that's why you pick Rafe. :-)

Thank you, ladies for visiting Amanda and me today. She asked great questions.

And thank you, Amanda, for posting my earlier comments when I couldn't get the captia to work. Hope it does this time.

Kim W said...

I've only read one of her books, While We're Far Apart, but it was an excellent read.

Great job on the interview!

kimberlyiswong(at)gmail.com

Amanda said...

Best of luck in the drawing Paula and Susan! Am almost starting to think I should give away more than one book. :)

So glad to hear you’ve added Laurie’s books to your library, Connie!

So great to see you, Roseanna!! A Necessary Deception reminds me a bit of your books, so it’s no wonder you love them. :)

It’s soo hard to pick one of Laurie’s heroes, Naomi! Haven’t read about Rafe yet, but if there’s a 600 word kiss in there, it’s definitely on my must-read list! :)

Consider yourselves entered, Lori and Janet!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Kim!

Anonymous said...

I would love to win the book oh please! Thank you! Carmen Rose
scmlrose@att.net

Shopgirl said...

This looks like a great book! Love regency time period! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

Amanda M said...

I love reading Regency novels and watching old movies. Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Tony Curtis, and Henry Fonda all the way!
Loved this interview! :)
admurphy(dot)musician(at)gmail(dot)com

Jennie Kuns - ajkunsfam@gmail.com said...

I would love to win this book! i have never read any by this author.

Lane Hill House said...

Oh, I just found you! I must have missed this first book drawing! Would have loved to have won. Kathleen
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net