Sunday, July 29, 2012

Victorian Tea with Debut Author Keli Gwyn

Today it is my great pleasure to host debut author Keli Gwyn on my blog for a Victorian Tea. We would love for you to join in the conversation, no gown required. Don't forget to leave a comment ~ Keli is giving away a free copy of her novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California to one lucky commenter. 

Gabrielle Meyer
Keli Gwyn



 





 



Keli, thank you so much for calling on me at my cyber home today! Ever since I was a guest at your blog, I've been eager to have you stop by mine. Before we start visiting, I'd love to offer you something to drink. Since this is a Light Tea, I have a variety of teas and sweets to offer. What would you prefer?

What a delight it is to be here, Gabrielle. You have such a lovely cyber home. I’ll take some peppermint tea if you have it. Oh, and a couple of those vanilla scones. They smell heavenly.

Of course I have peppermint tea and help yourself to as many scones as you’d like. I will have some white tea and a chocolate scone, because, as I always say, if it's not chocolate, it's not worth it!

Your dress is simply stunning, Keli! I love the vibrant purple - and the matching hat is a perfect addition. Where did you find it?

Thank you. I’ll admit to being quite smitten with my outfit. The seamstress I hired outdid herself. She designed the dress and the hat. The gown looks just like the one my heroine, Elenora Watkins, is wearing in the final scene of my debut novel.

I can’t wait to read your story and I’ll be looking for that dress now! I’m eagerly awaiting the copy of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California that I won as part of the Bushel of Fun on your blog's Friday giveaways.

By the way, did you know that when I began blogging in February of this year, your blog was one of the first I came across? Since then I've enjoyed getting to know you and watch you release your debut novel. I know you live near the setting of your book, but you haven't always lived in California. At one point you were in Germany. Can you tell us what brought you there?

Before my dear Gwynly became a teacher, he served as a missionary in Germany, working with American high school students whose parents were stationed there. Gwynly returned to the U.S., gave up his job as a research chemist, returned to college, and got his teaching credential. He wanted to work with teens instead of making plastic.

Gwynly became a high school science teacher and dreamed of returning to Germany and teaching the young people who’d captured his heart. He applied for several years, but it wasn’t until after we married that he was hired to teach at Nürnberg American High School. I like to say that the Lord knew Gwynly needed to meet me first. :-)

We spent four and a half years in Germany, living there from 1989-1993. We were there when the Wall came down and the Cold War ended, and when U.S. troops were sent to fight the first Gulf War. Watching history in the making was amazing.

That does sound amazing! I’m sure Gwynly was happy to return to Germany with a bride by his side. Your blog is full of little tidbits about your life and I feel like you do a great job sharing the real life romance you enjoy with him. I love how you weave it into your day to day living. As a wife, what have you discovered is the secret to a successful marriage?

I am definitely blessed. Gwynly is an amazing guy! I would say that what makes our marriage work so well is that we take the other person into consideration. We both put the other first much of the time, even when that means sacrificing what we want.

Putting your spouse first isn’t always easy, but I’ve also learned it is one of the most important things we can do for our marriage.

Another aspect of your blog that I enjoy is watching your writing journey unfold. A few weeks ago you had the privilege of seeing your book in print for the first time! I loved watching the video you made at the post office while you opened the box and pulled the book out.  I was crying tears of joy with you.

My seven-year-old daughter sat by me as we watched the video and when you mentioned that you'd dreamed of writing since you were seven, my daughter looked up at me with a huge grin on her face, because she wants to be a writer, too. You've been dreaming of this moment for over forty years, in your opinion, what do you think is the most important thing you've done on the road to publication?

Oh Gabrielle, I love hearing about your daughter’s reaction. That is so precious.

I think the single most important thing I’ve done to get where I am today is to study craft. Like many newbie writers, I was eager to get an offer of representation and a publishing contract. I sent out a handful of queries a year and a half into my journey, received well-deserved rejections, and learned that I had much to learn.

At that point, I made a decision. I chose to stop writing for a year and learn all I could about how to craft a marketable story. That choice made a big difference. When I began rewriting the strongest of the five stories I’d completed at that point, I could tell my writing had improved.

To see how close I was to having a story that would attract the attention of publishing pros, I entered the new version of my story in several contests. It did well, garnering me several wins and requests for fulls from final round judges. One of the judges, Rachelle Gardner, offered me representation. I still had work to do on the story, but I was more than willing to do it. My work did end up resulting in my first sale, which was quite rewarding.

Putting your writing on hold must have been a hard thing to do, but it was a wise decision. I had to put my writing on hold when I learned we were expecting twins. My consolation was that, even though I wasn’t writing, I was still gaining insight and wisdom that I could add to my stories. As writers, our books are often birthed from our own life experiences, both the good and the bad. If you could go back to one moment of your life to relive, which one would it be and why?

My, what a thought-provoking question. I would go back to a day before my beloved mother-in-law learned that her cancer had returned for the third and final time. I would give her a hug and kiss and tell her how much I love her. She knew it, but to be able to see her before her decline and let her know how much she meant to me one more time would be a real blessing.

Your love for your mother-in-law is so evident in your answer, Keli. She was a blessed woman to have you as a daughter-in-law.

I recently saw your guest post on Jenny Blake's blog and she asked you a great question. She said: If you could have a meal with 3 living people, who would you choose and why? I want to know, if you could have a meal with three people who are no longer living, who would you choose and why?

This one is easy. I would dine with my mother-in-law, my father-in-law, and my maternal grandmother. They were all believers and showered me with unconditional love. It would be wonderful to let them know that their support and encouragement filled my cup and helped me fulfill my lifelong dream of being a published author.

I always hope that those people who go on before us, especially those who have furthered the Kingdom of God in our lives, have special access to see what we have done here on Earth. My grandfather passed on three years ago and I hope he can see how his faith has left a lasting legacy of believers on Earth.

Thank you for stopping by my blog home today, Keli. It's been an honor to have you visit. I've loved getting to know you better and I look forward to calling on you at your blog home again soon. I'm praying that your debut novel will be a great success and that we'll be seeing many more novels from you in the near future.

Thank you for having me, Gabrielle. What a gracious hostess you are. Spending time with you and your blog’s visitors is wonderful. I’d like to end by asking all of you a question. Who was one of the first people to believe in you and encourage you to follow your dream?

~ ~ ~ ~
Don't forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Keli's novel. The drawing will close on Friday, August 3rd at 11:59 p.m.
~ ~ ~ ~

Widow Elenora Watkins looks forward to meeting her new business partner, Miles Rutledge, who owns a shop in 1870s El Dorado. But Miles is shocked to see a woman step off the stagecoach. His rude behavior forces Elenora to reconsider—so she becomes his competition across the street. Can Miles win her heart while destroying her business?

~ ~ ~ ~

Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives is currently available.

When Keli’s fingers aren’t hovering over the keyboard of her newfangled laptop, she enjoys strolling past stately Victorian houses in her historic town, burying her nose in reference books as she unearths interesting facts to include in her stories, and interacting with other romance readers. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, the Coach factory outlet store, and Taco Bell.

You can find Keli at:

52 comments:

  1. This was such a tender and sweet interview. I'm so glad we got to join you ladies for tea :) It's so nice to get to learn more about you, Keli, and some of the events in your life that helped to shape you. Great, thought-provoking questions, Gabrielle! I'm so happy to hear that you won one of those great bushels!!

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    1. Joanne, I'm glad you joined us. Gabrielle is a wonderful hostess. I'm sure she'd be happy to pour you a cup of tea if you'd like one.

      It was such fun to send one of the Bushels of Fun to Gabrielle.

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  2. Keli and Gabrielle,
    Thanks for such thoughtful insights. I think I know you both much better after having this "tea" time with you.

    My mother has always believed in me. Even when I experience days of drought and famine she believes enough to carry the both of us until I find my footing and press on. I want to be that kind of mother to all three of my children. God has blessed me greatly.

    I'd love to win Keli's Book. Count me in!

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    1. Ava, there's nothing quite like the love and support of one's mother, is there? I'm glad your mom is one of your biggest cheerleaders.

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  3. Joanne and Ava, thank you so much for joining our tea party! I'm so happy you've come. Please help yourself to the refreshments - I have plenty to go around and they are calorie free!

    Keli, you're a gracious guest and I'm so thankful we had this time to chat. Looking forward to the conversation here today!

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    1. I'm delighted to be here, Gabrielle. You're a wonderful hostess. And I do so love your outfit. What's the story behind it?

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  4. Keli - for ten years I worked at the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site in various roles, but primarily as a tour guide. This photo was taken when I portrayed Evangeline Lindbergh, Charles' mother, for a Living History Day event set in 1917. I was three months pregnant with my second daughter when this photo was taken. I'm sitting in the parlor of the Lindbergh Home, next to the piano that was a wedding gift from Charles' father to his mother.

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    1. Gabrielle, how wonderful it must have been to work at the Lindbergh site. Do you think you'll use any of the info you learned about the family in your stories?

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  5. What a fun interview! Yay for Keli and her book. I love it!!!

    My answer to your question is very easy--my parents and grandparents were the earliest to encourage my writing dream. I am beyond blessed!

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  6. Gabrielle, this was one of the nicest interviews that I have ever read. Such great questions, and of course, Keli is so gracious and interesting. I'm reading her debut novel right now and enjoying it so. I'm thrilled for her.

    In answer to the question...my mother has encouraged me to follow my dream and I was blessed to see my debut novel come out this year as well. Keli and I have been traveling this road to publication together and she has been a wonderful encouragement!

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    1. Carla, isn't Gabrielle the most gracious hostess ever? I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. She asks the best questions.

      Having your mother as your cheerleader is a real blessing. I'm sure she's mighty proud of her published author daughter.

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  7. Melissa, it's so nice to see you here. Isn't Gabrielle's parlor lovely. And wait until you taste the scones. I chose vanilla, but she says the chocolate are delicious, too.

    How wonderful to have such supportive parents and grandparents. I'm sure they're going to be mighty proud when you sell.

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  8. I'm so sorry I have to bid you lovely ladies farewell for a time, but something has come up that requires my attention. I'll have to go offline--*shudder*--but I'll be back to visit as soon as I'm able. In the meantime, Gabrielle will be here, and she's a delight.

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  9. What a treat to be invited into your parlor for tea, scones and this great conversation. I appreciate that no gown was required or I would've missed out. Keli, how exciting that you were in Germany when the wall came down. Wow! Thank you, Gabrielle, for this delightful interview, and Keli for writing such a heartwarming novel. Blessings to you both!

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    1. Donna, I'm delighted that you stopped by. Living in Germany during such a momentous time was exciting.

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  10. What a lovely interview!! I felt like I was really in the parlor with you, dressed to the hilt and sipping tea...even though I'm not really a tea fan. :)

    My parents were the first to encourage and support me. I had two dreams: to write and to perform. I spent countless hours writing stories as a child, and my parents would take my stories to Kinkos and have them "published" (really just bound, but to me, it was more). And my parents signed me up for acting classes and always helped me practice my lines for shows. They never made me feel like I couldn't do something.

    I know to this day that my mom is my #1 fan. Even from Heaven. I want my first book to be dedicated to her and my dad for all the love they poured into me.

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    1. Lindsay, what a blessing to have received such support and encouragement from your parents. I love that they "published" your stories.

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  11. Keli, I have lots and lots of great fodder for my novels from the Lindbergh family! I was honored to meet Anne Morrow Lindbergh and I have a signed copy of Gifts from the Sea. Her journals have impacted my writing in more ways than one.

    Melissa, having parents and grandparents who believe in you is the greatest gift a person could receive. And you're proof that their belief is well founded! :)

    Carla, it's so nice to meet you! Thank you for following my blog. I'm excited to visit your cyber home soon. Thank you for the wonderful compliment! Keli is the best kind of guest to host, she's charming, insightful and very interesting! I had so much fun visiting with her.

    Donna, help yourself to the scones, and come as you are, your beauty transcends your clothing. When I read about Keli being in Germany when the wall fell I was so intrigued. I remember watching that on television when I was young, but I still knew the importance of it. Thank you for joining us today!

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    1. Gabrielle, how exciting it must have been to meet Anne Morrow Lindbergh in person. I'm sure you treasure that signed copy.

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  12. I loved "listening" in on your conversation! It was very delightful. I also enjoy a good cup of tea. In the summertime, my favorite is iced tea, however I did have a cup of hot tea this morning! Keli, your book looks like a lot of fun! I can't wait to read it!

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    1. Mandy, I'm a real fan of iced tea, or sweet tea as my mom who grew up in Texas calls it. I drink it year 'round. Do you sweeten your iced tea?

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    2. Sweeten iced tea, for sure! We usually make almost a gallon a day and drink it all between my mom and younger sister and me! My great-grandma was the one that taught my mom to drink sweet tea!

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    3. Mandy, I've got some sun tea brewing now. Once it's ready, I'll add the sugar and enjoy it.

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  13. Oh, one more thing! Gabrielle, are you going to answer the question at the end of the interview??? I would love to hear the answer!

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  14. Lindsay, your words sent chills up my spine! How awesome that your parents believed in your dreams and did everything they could to help you achieve them. Just like I said to Keli, I hope your mom has access to see what great and wonderful things you're doing here on Earth because of her love and dedication to you.

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  15. Hi, Mandy! Thank you for stopping by this morning. I will have iced tea for the rest of the day to those who are in warmer weather. :)

    Yes, I'd almost forgotten to answer Keli's question, thank you for the reminder! The first person who believed in me and encouraged me was my mom. She used to bring me to our local historical society when I was young, just to let me pour over newspapers and photos and talk to the ladies who work there. She also listened to all my story ideas and read the ones I would let her read (I was too shy to let people read my stories back then!). This is why I realize the great importance I have in my own children's lives and dreams! Nothing is ever too silly or too unrealistic for any of them to strive after.

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    1. Gabrielle, aren't moms the best? Their support and belief in us fuels our dreams. I can tell you're a loving mom who is doing the same for your children.

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    2. The iced tea tastes great! My mom has also encouraged me to write. And in fact taught me how to write! Loved hearing your story!

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  16. A question for Kelli -- when you get a chance -- I'm curious about what you did to study craft for that year that you took off of writing. What books &/or processes did you follow.

    As far as believing in me, my family has always believed in my writing. And continue to do so. I remember my fifth grade language arts teacher encouraging my writing a lot, too. Currently, my husband and children cheer me on. It helps!

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    1. Kathleen, it sounds like you have a wonderful fan club. That's awesome. With support like that, it's much easier to pursue our dreams, isn't it?

      When I took the year to study craft, I devoured oodles of blog posts that focused on fiction writing. I read some craft books, many of them geared to writing romance novels. Two books I found helpful are Self-Editing for Fiction Writers and Stein on Writing. If I came across a topic I didn't understand, I would seek out more information.

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  17. What a lovely interview and post, Gabrielle and Keli! I'm thankful to my parents for encouraging me and supporting me even when what I thought I wanted diverged from what they'd wanted for me. I imagine I'll have to set aside some of my own expectations for my kids too ;)

    No need to include me in the draw--Keli's book was a real treat and is now on my keeper shelf :)

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    1. F Chen, how wonderful that your parents supported you even when your dreams differed from the ones they had for you. What a gift!

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  18. Kathleen, welcome to my site and thank you for following! I'm also doing a DQ gift card giveaway to all my followers and Facebook friends next week in honor of my six month blogging anniversary, so you'll be entered into that drawing, as well. I'd also love to know what Keli studied that year.

    flchen1, thank you for stopping by! I'm hearing a common theme amongst all of us, that our parents and/or grandparents were the first to believe in us - parents have such an important role in our lives. I'm so happy you enjoyed Keli's book - I'm anxiously awaiting my copy in the mail!

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  19. Fun! Fun! Fun!
    My hubby was the first to encourage and believe in my dream...for me.

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    1. Don't enter me in the drawing...I have Keli's wonderful novel!

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    2. Loree, supportive husbands rock! I have one and can't thank him enough for all he's done for me.

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  20. Hi, Loree! My husband is one of my biggest fans, too. I know I couldn't reach for my dreams if I didn't have him giving me a boost up. Thank you for joining the conversation today.

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  21. What a lovely interview in the perfect setting. I have been following Keli's blog for some time now and feel I have got to know her well so it is always great to learn more. Having a supportive husband is so helpful to a writer, I am blessed with one as well. Good luck with your amazing book Keli. I would love to win a copy.

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    1. Hello, Darlene. Thank you for stopping by and following my blog today! It's always a treat to meet a new writer. I've loved getting to know Keli these past six months and I was thrilled to have her as the first guest author on my blog. I'll be sure to enter your name in the drawing for her book! Good luck.

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    2. Darlene, spending time in Gabrielle's parlor is such fun. She's a wonderful hostess.

      I'm glad you have a supportive husband, too. What a blessing they are.

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  22. Loved this interview! Both your personalities just shine through! And my parents and grandparents have always encouraged my writing. One of the best things my mom ever did for me was to teach me how to conjugate verbs when she homeschooled me!

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    1. Yay! I was also homeschooled and I agree! The best thing my mom did was teach me how to write!

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    2. Heather, there's nothing quite like the support of parents and grandparents. I'm glad yours are such great cheerleaders.

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  23. Heather, I was also homeschooled! I love meeting other homeschool graduates - especially those reaching for their dreams. My friends picked on me, because I had to live with my English teacher! She was always making sure we spoke and wrote correctly. :)

    I loved interviewing Keli. My only complaint is that we weren't able to do it in person!

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  24. Hi Keli, I am still following you from blog to blog and hope to win your book. I am a tea drinker of both hot and sweet. I was close to my dad's mom and she always said to never give up on what I wanted to do. To always have faith. I have strived for that always.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Miss Kallie, I hear tell you won a copy of my book on another blog. Your persistence paid off. =)

      I'm glad your grandmother was such an encouragement to you.

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  25. Miss Kallie, thank you for stopping by today. I've also been following Keli around a bit, getting to know her better. These interviews are so much fun! I'll be sure to enter you in for the drawing. Good luck!

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  26. What a lovely interview, and a treat getting to know you better, Keli! I had to laugh a little when I read that one of your favorite places is Taco Bell! We eat there a couple times a month, but if my oldest daughter had her way, we'd eat there every day, lol. ;-)

    To answer the question, I would have to say my parents encouraged me and believed in me. They supported me through college, as I studied to be a teacher. Long story, short, I never became a full time teacher, but after 10 years as a stay at home mom, I'm now entering my 4th year of substitute teaching (and I love it!). God worked everything together, and His plan has worked out better than I could have ever imagined. :)

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Michelle
    scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

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    1. Michelle, sounds like your daughter and I would hit it off. I did eat at Taco Bell every day when I was working full time and taking college classes at night. =)

      How neat that your parents supported you as your pursued your teaching credential. I'm glad your able to teach now and that you're loving it. As the wife of a high school teacher, I totally get that. =)

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  27. A gracious hostess you are indeed, Gabrielle!
    Lovely, Keli. Always good to see you.
    You asked : Who was one of the first people to believe in you and encourage you to follow your dream?
    Hmmm.. That would be my parents. (Technically they are 1 flesh, huh? ;)

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Ganise

    ganise_4life (at) hotmail (dot) com

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    1. Ganise, supportive parents are the best. Their encouragement blesses us in so many ways.

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  28. Michelle, I love Taco Bell, too! When my hubby was in college he had a Taco Bell across the road from his apartment and we had many good meals there!

    Ganise, thanks for stopping by and saying hello! I'm so encouraged by all the people who have said their parents were their greatest encouragers - it makes all the difference in the world. Good luck in the drawing!

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Your comments are my favorite part of blogging!