Today I'm pleased to bring you guest poster Rita Gerlach, speaking of her writing journey and new novel, Surrender the Wind.
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I began to write in 1989, after my cousin, a famous romance writer, (can you guess who?) handed me one of her books at a family reunion. I wrote several short stories, then a full-length novel entitled The Rebel’s Pledge. I published this novel through a print on demand company in 2001, and two more books followed, Thorns In Eden and The Everlasting Mountains. It wasn’t until the fall of 2008 that I landed my first legitimate publishing contract, eight years since I began submitting work. I read about Abingdon Press in July '08 here on Forensics and Faith. I immediately queried Barbara Scott and she requested sample chapters and a synopsis. I left her hanging at the close of Chapter 3, and she wanted to know more, so she asked for the manuscript. By September I had a signed contact in my hands.
About Surrender the Wind:
An American patriot of the Revolution struggles with his loyalty to his country by accepting an inheritance from his estranged grandfather in England. Upon his arrival in Devonshire, he meets and falls in love with Juleah, the daughter of an eccentric landed gentleman. Amid the joys of new love Seth and Juleah face tragedy and trial. Seth is reunited with his grieving sister, who was taken back to England at the start of the rebellion. A nephew is believed dead. A woman is found murdered in the woods. And Seth is told his wife, Juleah, has perished in a fire. What is the truth behind these tragedies? One man holds the answers---one that despises his American enemy for gaining two things he wanted most---Ten Width Manor and the woman he desired.
About Surrender the Wind:
An American patriot of the Revolution struggles with his loyalty to his country by accepting an inheritance from his estranged grandfather in England. Upon his arrival in Devonshire, he meets and falls in love with Juleah, the daughter of an eccentric landed gentleman. Amid the joys of new love Seth and Juleah face tragedy and trial. Seth is reunited with his grieving sister, who was taken back to England at the start of the rebellion. A nephew is believed dead. A woman is found murdered in the woods. And Seth is told his wife, Juleah, has perished in a fire. What is the truth behind these tragedies? One man holds the answers---one that despises his American enemy for gaining two things he wanted most---Ten Width Manor and the woman he desired.
7 comments:
Rita,
Best wishes for what I know will be great success with Surrender The Wind.
And Brandilyn,
Thanks once more for your support of the Abingdon fiction launch. Can't wait for my turn.
Couldn't find your email address!
I've been anxious to grab one of your books and start reading. I finally made it to Barnes and Noble asked for your selection of books. They said they had sold out except for one! How exciting to be so popular! I got the last one on the shelf, Violet Dawn, and will start it today. Already, from the blurb, I'm anxious to read it! Look forward to reading your whole collection!
I usually lean toward contemporary fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed Surrender the Wind. Definitely piqued my interest in reading even more great historical romances! Congratulations, Rita!
Donna, thank you. Violet Dawn is a great one to start with, as it's the first in the Kanner Lake series. Hope you enjoy.
Congratulations, Rita, on Surrender the Wind!
Nice to meet you, and encouraging to read that you published through print on demand before becoming traditionally published.
Rita,
Congrats and Abundant Blessings, my friend, on Surrender the Wind. You stuck with it when others gave up. I'm proud of you. Can't wait to read :-)
Jenny
Many thanks to everyone who posted such kind words of support. And thanks to Brandilyn. I can't tell you how much it means to me to have your support.
Rita
P.S. If anyone wants an over-sized bookmark, a magnet with the cover, postcard, and a signed bookplate for your copy of Surrender the Wind, just email me your mailing address.
rpkg@comcast.net
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