Friday, July 8, 2016

"Saving the Marquise's Granddaughter" by Carrie Fancett Pagels




In celebration of her latest release, Carrie has graciously offered to give away a copy of the book (paperback or e-book). To enter, see the Rafflecopter box at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends July 15, 2016.) If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information. Good luck!



A Word  from Carrie…

Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter was inspired by genealogical research on my mother’s side of the family. I discovered an interesting ancestor, Johan Adam Rousch, who had nine of his ten sons fight in the American Revolution! Johan was given a monument by the Sons of the American Revolution. I think his wife, Susannah, deserved one, too!

Q & A with Carrie…

Q:  What would you be doing if you were not an author?

 A:  I was a psychologist for 25 years, working with young people. I trained hard and long and have a Ph.D. in School Psychology from the University of South Carolina, one of the top-rated doctoral programs in School Psychology in the country. But my arthritis worsened to the point that I could no longer work as a psychologist.

Q:  What is your favorite writing-related book?

A:  For writing Christian historical romance, I’d recommend anything by Susie Mary Warren and also Julie Lessman’s workbook.

Q:  Who are some of your favorite authors to read?

A:  I love so many! Right now I’m listening to Karen Witemeyer’s new romance. I’m waiting on Tamera Alexander’s next novel and on Julie Lessman’s next historical romance. The Christy finalists in historical romance were amazing this year! I loved Roseanna White’s book of her heart and Elizabeth Camden’s, too!  Julie Klassen’s Regencies. Melanie Dickerson’s Fairy Tale Retellings. I’d have to fill up the page if I add more authors whose work I love, so I better stop!

Q:  How did you decide to write historical romance?

A:  I started out thinking I wanted to write historical then realized I didn’t care for books that didn’t have a romance in them. I definitely wanted romance in my stories because that is what I love to read. But I do appreciate historical detail. So I’ve tried to balance both in my writing.

Q:  What are your thoughts on the publishing industry in general? In relation to self-publishing/Indie Publishing? 

A:  These are amazing times right now! Authors who were waiting forever to get their big break now have the option of indie publishing and selling right to their readers.  It is so difficult to break into the bigger CBA publishing houses. If an author wants to build a following, it seems to me indie publishing is the way to go. I consider myself a hybrid author. I have indie published books, including my novella The Fruitcake Challenge” which was a Selah Award finalist, a Family Fiction Book of the Year finalist, and which earned me RWA PAN status (Professional Author Network) and has almost 100 Reviews on Amazon! I have told my agent, Joyce Hart, and others that I believe every author should do at least one indie book to get a better feel for all that is involved with getting a book out there. On the other hand, it is a ton of work and I am very grateful to have contracts with traditional publishers such as White Rose/Pelican, who published Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter, and Barbour Publishing, who will be publishing two of my novellas in collections and also a novel. 

Another thing about traditional publishers, something that surprised me with Guidepost Books, who published my short story “Snowed In” in A Cup of Christmas Cheer collection, was just the sheer number of readers they could reach so easily. I guess I should not have been surprised, since I’m also a Guideposts reader! And with Barbour, they have placement in so many stores and with (I’ve heard) Walmart, which is something that the vast majority of indies just don’t have—that placement. I feel very blessed to have contracts with traditional CBA publishers and appreciate all they do for authors. I also think there is a place for indies.

Q:  What can you tell me about your next project?

A:  I am so excited to be part of a fun collection from Barbour!  Gina Welborn spearheaded “The Blue Ribbon Bride Collection” with nine authors. We all have stories set at state fairs, and all of the other authors’ stories sound amazing!!! Mine is called “Requilted with Love” and is about a quilter who has lost two fiancés and now finds herself falling for a balloonist—a really risky profession! It’s set at the Lansing, Michigan 1889 state fair, which was a really special one because they created an amazing fairground, hoping it would become permanent. 


Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog. I'm sure my readers will enjoy getting to know you a bit better!

Link to my review...
(I rated it 4/5 stars.)

Amazon link for purchase...

About Carrie...



Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance. All three of her Christy Lumber Camp books were finalists for Family Fiction’s Book of the Year. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn't "cure" her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

Readers can find Carrie online at:

http://carriefancettpagels.blogspot.com/
http://colonialquills.blogspot.com/
http://cfpagels.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/carriefancettpagels?fref=ts
https://twitter.com/cfpagels



a Rafflecopter giveaway

26 comments:

  1. Thanks for having me on your blog, Leslie! Thanks also for the wonderful review on RT Book Reviews!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am lucky to have my Paternal family's genealogy but the hard work was done by my uncle. As a librarian, I have helped patrons with their research so I can understand and appreciate the time invested by my uncle and you, Carrie, as you prepared for your book.
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Connie! My cousin has been finding more genealogy info on my mother's side now, which I appreciate! Thanks, Connie, for coming by!

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    2. Connie,

      That's great that you have the information. It certainly does take a lot of work to compile everything.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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    3. Saving The Marquise's Granddaughter" is another on my stack to read!

      Thank you.

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  3. Love your book Carrie!
    Blessings, Tina

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tina! Love you and appreciate all your help!

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    2. Thanks for stopping by, Tina. Glad you enjoyed the book!

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  4. "These are amazing times right now! Authors who were waiting forever to get their big break now have the option of indie publishing and selling right to their readers." I agree that the times are exciting! I've been enjoying reading more hybrid and indie authors these days. I'm also a fan of the cover of Saving the Marquise's Granddaughter. Lovely images!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Nadine! absolutely! Instead of waiting you can start building a following. I think hybrid benefits everyone! Thanks I love this cover too!

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    2. Nadine,

      Thanks for stopping by! I agree. I have found so many wonderful authors this way. You are correct. It's a beautiful cover!

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  5. Your book sounds wonderful, Carrie! Congratulations! Although I've "met" you on Facebook it was nice getting to know more about you, your books and your journey. Wishing you all the best with your upcoming projects!

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    Replies
    1. Laura,

      I'm glad you stopped by and that you enjoyed the post. Good luck!

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    2. Thanks so much, Laura! I appreciate you coming by! Are you a reader, a writer, or both Laura? Blessings!

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  6. I am intrigued by the title and the historical/genealogical background. I am excited to find yet another new author in this genre.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mardell! Thanks for coming by! Glad you found me!

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    2. Mardell,

      Thanks for stopping by! It definitely is unique!

      Good luck!

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  7. I have never research my family tree but I would love too. It would be so interesting to know about our ancestors.

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    Replies
    1. Brenda,

      I never have done any research either, but it would definitely be interesting.

      Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Hi Brenda! I have to finish my DAR genealogy stuff. I keep so busy though.

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  8. I haven't researched my family's history at all.
    Dianna

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    Replies
    1. I think there are a lot of people who haven't, but it's definitely something interesting to consider.

      Thanks for stopping by, and good luck!

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