Meet our next “Virgin No More”, Lisa Potocar, who is chatting with us about her debut novel, Sweet Glory, which is suitable for young adult readers up to and including old curmudgeons like moi. This is a fascinating glimpse at a little-known historical fact: that quite a few women dressed as men and fought in the Civil War. I didn’t know that, did you? As Publishers Weekly says, “This book combines historical accuracy with romance and a suspenseful narrative that will keep readers hooked.” WOW!
Here’s a short blurb: Sweet Glory is about sixteen-year-old tomboy Jana Brady who trims her auburn tresses and rides off as Union Cavalryman Johnnie to fight in the American Civil War and comes of age playing soldier, nurse, and spy. Great premise.
Lisa currently lives in Upstate New York with her husband and two cuddly keeshonds. Her passion for writing and research stems from her former work in health care administration and as a professor. When not tracking some morsel of history to shape into a story, she’s a tomboy at heart who loves to hike and bike and has traveled the world to do it. You’ll never meet a lady with more energy or such boundless enthusiasm. Please welcome my next ex-virgin…take it away, Lisa!
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When Kaki invited me as a guest on her “Virgin No More” blog, I broke out in hives. How could I possibly whip up a love scene that’d rival anything she’s written? Phew! She course-corrected me; so, here’s my hot and steamy rendition of becoming a “Virgin No More:”
Even before I could read, I heard the magic in stories. I daydreamed of entertaining readers in the same way. Into my thirties, I finally stumbled upon a subject that would “shiver me timbers”—as Popeye says—to write about every day.
I was working in healthcare then (often stressful) when my mother coaxed me into touring some of NewportRhode Island’s colonial homes. There was no love between me and the past, but I thought, What the heck? Any getaway is good. While at the Hunter House, the melodic voice of the tour guide, dressed in period costume, lulled me back to a moonless night during the Revolutionary War. In this Georgian-style mansion, I pictured Admiral de Ternay, the commander of the French fleet (ally to the colonial forces), seated on a floral sofa in the parlor. Under the glow of candles, resting in pewter holders crafted by local artisans, I imagined him unrolling a map to betray the offensive position of British ships along the coast…then the tour guide seized me from my trance with his demand to proceed to the dining room.
Bam!
Yikes—didn’t mean to scare ya! Or perhaps wake you? Anyhow…
Viewed in this up-close, personal way, I found a lust for history! When I returned home, I bedded down with historical fiction. Amongst my favorites: John Jakes’ North & South trilogy and Kent Family Chronicles. But it was during my affair with non-fiction that this exciting morsel surfaced: Around three hundred women, both Yankee and Rebel, disguised themselves as soldiers to fight in the American Civil War. To honor these women, who became “Virgins No More” when they thrust themselves into roles thus far reserved for men, I created Jana Brady fromElmira,New York.
While I carried Jana through a gestation far longer than an elephant’s, I satisfied my cravings to hone my writing skills by feasting upon every workshop, conference, or how-to-write book set upon my plate. And when I finished raising Jana, I sent her out to her teen readers and some international contests (many claim the latter to be virgin territory—though, my Crested Butte Writer peers know all about this). For nominal entry fees, I yielded excellent feedback to nurture my “brain child.” The next year, I reentered the same contests. Ouila! I started to win.
I was no virgin to studying the market. My list of agents made my head swim; that of my publishers seemed manageable. With my own personalized criteria and rating scale, I narrowed the field of 65 to 3 that I deemed as “off my chart.” I sent to the one I liked the best. Bingo! I’m thrilled to say that thanks to Tate Publishing (Oklahoma), I’M A VIRGIN NO MORE! I couldn’t be happier with the job the editing, design, media, and marketing/publicity departments have done to help position my novel for success!
My quest to become a “Virgin No More” took 11 years, from concept to publication. Some very famous authors might tell you it took them even longer—what d’ya say, Kaki? Actually, it might’ve taken me longer, but Jana and her story wouldn’t stop stalking me by day and haunting me by night. Sound familiar? Then you’ve found your writing passion. Now, hop to it and don’t stop until you’ve purged this story from yourself and then spent time spit-shining it—you’ll feel better and your readers will love you for it!
Question for Giveaway: Want a free, autographed copy of Sweet Glory? Then leave a comment and let me know what draws you to historical fiction? That it revolves around an actual historical event or person, even though the main characters are fictional? Or that it’s simply a great story that happens to be set in the past? Or is the historical aspects of the story of less importance than the characters?
You can also find out more about Lisa and her books anytime at her website: www.lisapotocar/tateauthor.com.
I really love historical fiction because it takes you to the past, a simpler time. A great book sucks you in, but a great historical fiction transports you like a time machine!
You said it much better than I did below to Quilt Lady, Lauren! And there’s nothing like a book doing both!!!
Great story, Lisa! Your 11 years was only half as long as it took me to get my historical YA novel published. I didn’t start out writing it as historical fiction but contemporary fiction. Then it lost a contract with a major publisher, and I put it away and quit writing fiction for many years. By the time I returned to the story and rewrote it, my target audience was younger than the events I portrayed.
Although my own historical fiction writing experience occurred by accident, I do enjoy reading historical fiction, particularly as it shows events from the perspective of ordinary people rather than the decision makers presented in history textbooks. I look forward to reading Sweet Glory and congratulate you on your wonderful reviews.
Wow! What a tremendous shift from contemporary to historical and it sounds like adult to YA. It is truly amazing how our stories evolve–almost as though our characters are reaching out to us and telling us there is a better way to entrance our readers! And I believe you are talking about your novel, Gringolandia??? If so, I can’t picture it written any other way–it was a fabulous read about Chilean history!!!
Thanks for the shout-out! I originally wrote it as YA, and in the newer version I made the characters a year older. While it’s still published as YA, it’s a crossover that’s now being used in college Latin American Studies classes.
Congrats Lisa!!!! For me, personally, I love the great story, whether it’s in the past, present or future, though, if it is set in present or past (and isn’t a fantasy) then I love when an author embodies it with the richness of the life their characters would have truly led.
All the best!
Tes
Thanks, Tes, for your well-wishes. Although I do favor a certain genres, I’m willing for my escape, I embrace any reading that has real and loveable characters!
I am drawn to historical fiction because I just can’t learn by reading a bunch of names and dates…when its woven into a story, it really helps to promote retention and learning…it makes history come alive!! Thanks for the interesting blog.
Hey history buff from the northeast–where historical sites abound and you must be in your glory–thanks for hopping aboard my blog train today! That’s why I never took to history in school–I couldn’t keep all those facts and figures in my head. I wish for every historical subject covered in class, we could be assigned a complimentary novel. I know this isn’t realistic to the time teachers have to impart their lessons, and I respect this greatly, but it sure would shake things up a bit…don’t you think?
Great post! I think with me I just love reading about the past. Its like setting down with your grandparents and listening to the stories they told. I love reading all types of historical. Westerns are my favorite and then books set during the civil war. I read them all.
Thanks for drawing Lisa to our attention, Kaki. Hi Lisa, I got your book and just started reading it and I love it! Jana is an authentic character–appropriate to the time period, but current enough to be relevant and relatable to modern kids.
So far I’d have to say–at least in these opening 50 pages–that your greatest strength is the amazing ability to draw me in and make me feel I’m really embedded in history. It’s as if I popped into a time machine–great job!
What draws me into history is the fun learning about a more basic time. It feels raw and elemental to me. People stripped down to what’s really important. So much time devoted to living, surviving, family, devotion and determination to making life better, rather than the egocentric times we live in now that seem–sadly–so much more superficial.
Instead of worrying about the really important things in life, I fear we’ve gotten too clever for ourselves and live 80% of our lives distracted by indulgent entertainment opportunities. Cell phones, texting, Ipods, computers, Ipads, kindles, endless APS of all and the list goes on.
I’m as guilty as the next for falling into this whirlwind, however, I really enjoy –and am comforted by–spending part of my life enjoying a simpler, more basic time through historical books.
And your’s is wonderful! Thanks.
Thanks for dropping in, Theresa, and for your very kind thoughts about my novel. I genuinely hope that you will enjoy the remaining story–please share your thoughts. I too love stepping back into the past and a much simpler time, though not less dangerous in terms of diseases, accidents, lawlessness, etc. And I feel as though I do step into a time machine every time I sit down to do my research for a given time period–it’s a fulfilling experience. Although I can’t share every ounce of my research with readers, I only hope that I include enough to transport them back to perhaps a long-forgotten time and place.
Hey Quilt Lady! Thanks for being the FIRST comment. I wish now that I had recorded some of those stories my grandparents told. And I was incredibly fortunate to know my grandparents and great-grandparents!!! If your special interest is in Westerns, then you’ll absolutely LOVE the historical romance novels of my hostess today, Kaki Warner!!! I’m addicted to her writing, and she has fast become my favorite historical fiction writer–no lie–ask my husband. And if Civil War novels are your next favorite, then I hope you’ll consider reading mine and then let me know what you thought of it. I cherish feedback; it helps in future writing.
Wow I loved the interview….soo interesting…wish I was setting there with you all……I do love to read historical fiction…..it just comes alive….it takes you back and somehow you get caught up in the book…..almost like going on vacation…love it…would be thrilled to win a autographed copy of Lisa Protocar’s book….’Sweet Glory’………..babyruthmac16@yahoo.com
Awwwwww……thanks, Linda! I LOVE your comment about historical fiction (or any good book, for that matter) taking you away on vacation. I hope you don’t mind, but I’m cracking up over it–let me explain. I’m picturing the next time I have a really good book (again, for me, historical fiction) in hand that I’m itching to read, I’m going to tell my family and friends not to call, text, or e-mail (unless it’s an emergency, of course) ’cause I’m going to be away on vacation! So, Kaki, when is the third book in your Runaway Brides series going to be released? I NEED IT NOW!!!!!
Great story, Lisa! Your 11 years was only half as long as it took me to get my historical YA novel published. I didn’t start out writing it as historical fiction but contemporary fiction. Then it lost a contract with a major publisher, and I put it away and quit writing fiction for many years. By the time I returned to the story and rewrote it, my target audience was younger than the events I portrayed.
Although my own historical fiction writing experience occurred by accident, I do enjoy reading historical fiction, particularly as it shows events from the perspective of ordinary people rather than the decision makers presented in history textbooks. I look forward to reading Sweet Glory and congratulate you on your wonderful reviews.
Hi Lyn! The only reason I’m replying to your comment, a duplicate from above, is because I was rude not to address you by your name in my first reply, so I’ll say it state it twice here….sorry, Lyn!!!
The link for Lisa’s website is http://lisapotocar.tateauthor.com/
Linda Thompson
I’ve always loved historical fiction and feel that it brings history alive in a very magical way. I feel drawn into the period by the characters and learn so much in the process. Historical novels highlighting the plight of women are a special interest of mine. We’ve come a long way in this country to overcome limitations placed on us because of our gender and it sounds like your character Jana is a wonderful example of feminine strength and courage.
I look forward to reading it!
You are so right, Linda. The women in this country have come a long way, especially since the American Civil War. Sadly enough, it was this event that offered women (en masse) to step out of their traditional roles as homemakers, wives, mothers, etc. and explode into the realms dominated by men, in particular nursing, soldiering, doctoring, and government work.
Reading for some of us who still love the feel of a book in our hand. Is more than a way to learn it an escape to other lands and as in this case other times. when i was yong i fell in love with history. then with reading. book’s such as lisa’s take us through time on a journey that no travel can compare.
Thank you.
Keep writing.
I envy you, Daniel, for having understood the significance of history and the beauty in knowing our heritage at such a young age. I really wished that magical wand had been waved over me much earlier in my life…I might have at least one more book written by now…NOT!! But I intend to keep on writing–I have to–the characters in my head are all sparring to get out first…LOL!! Thanks for journeying to my blog interview today!!!
I’ve lived in and visited numerous places in the United States where history comes alive before your eyes and you feel moved to that point in time. Reality and imagination become one and you are enveloped in it. If you can touch or hold or acquire something historical that actually existed in that time period, there is no limit to where the romance of that encounter can take you.
You so get what I was talking about in my interview above, Gerry!!! It wasn’t until I stood in the Hunter House in Newport, Rhode Island, where I could see and feel colonial times that I came to cherish the magic in the past right before me. Just a thought: Since a time machine probably won’t be invented any time soon, how about a virtual reality vacation back to the past—remember the TV show, Fantasy Island? I’d love to play Maddie in Kaki’s Colorado Dawn. I know, I know–this all very silly!
I, too, enjoy historical fiction and did read “Sweet Glory”. I am drawn to the historical aspects. To be able to place myself back in time and re-live it in my own imagination is what makes it come to life. To know that events like this actually took place makes me want to learn more and to “re-live” more events.
I’m ecstatic that you have read Sweet Glory and then took the time to drop by to make a comment. Thank you, Mary! So you might just go along with the virtual reality vacation I mentioned above in my reply to Gerry? Anyhow, your point is well taken–my own personal experience at the Hunter House awakened a domino effect in me–the more I read, the more I learn, the more I want to know. It’s a never-ending cycle for me…but, as my nieces and nephews say, “It’s all good!”
I just wanted to drop a line to congratulate the author, Lisa, on publishing your first debut novel. I haven’t had a chance to pick it up, but from the reviews thus far I can already tell I am going to thoroughly enjoy the book. The whole idea is just spectacular, and I think it is amazing that you have such passion in history. Hopefully this will inspire or spark an interest in those who have lost sight of their past which has made the world what it is today. KUDOS to you, Lisa–this is an amazing accomplishment that only comes to those with intense drive & skill, and I hope you continue your phenomenal writing! I look forward to reading Sweet Glory!!!
Whoa, Claire, you just read my mind! I had a thought I was hoping to weave in at some point today, and just like magic, your comment appeared. So, piggybacking off yours, I think many have lost sight of the past and how it shapes the present and future. How do we expect to inject an enthusiasm for history into our young if the generations before have lost theirs for it? Thank you so much for appreciating the hard work and great patience that went into the making of my story–I would be honored to have you and all else read my story. If you get around to it, I’d love to hear your feedback.
Congratulations, LIsa. I am on a historical kick right now because the modern world is just a little too crazy. I have heard it said that in addition to the Civil War anniversary, folks are also interested in the era because it was a time when the country seemed like it would be forever torn apart. I think that is part of the appeal of reading In the Garden of the Beast by Erik Larson or a historical romance novel. Reading helps me see how folks have gotten through the past to give us our present as well as hope for the future.
I love history and Civil War history especially. Having grown up in the DC area, we were constantly taken to museums, battlegrounds, festivals etc that exposed us to the exciting times our country has been through. I started hearing about Clara Barton and those women who followed their men into battle disguised as fellow soldiers. Wow!
History remains an important part of our family life. In fact, my nephew is studying history and parks and rec. His dream is to be a park ranger at a Civil War battlefield.
Best wishes on your new book. Looking forward to reading it.
From your note, I glean your great appreciation for history. Kudos to you! How lucky you were to be exposed to probably the greatest place in the U.S. in terms of its treasure trove of our country’s history. Part of my research led me there, and I’m craving getting back there! It’s astonishing to me that your nephew’s dream is to be a park ranger at a Civil War battlefield. Please tell him for me that in my “Acknowledgments,” I’ve memorialized the park ranger at Gettysburg for his vast knowledge of the Tenth New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (in which my character enlists)–just one regiment out of many that fought at Gettysburg–not to mention lesser known because the cavalry didn’t play as huge or pivotal a role as some of the other arms that fought there during the three days. Thanks for your well wishes, and I hope that I have something new for you to learn if and when you read my story.
Oh, no worries, Lisa, it will be WHEN I read your story!
I think your idea of having a history novel for each topic as opposed to just classroom is a great idea…it will shake things up…maybe it could be an advanced track option?
Now that’s thinking out of the box, history buff in northeast! A way to take a “field trip” (I’m piggybacking off Linda MacFarland’s idea about reading historical fiction as a form of a vacation) when school budgets are tight or historical sites are too far away. Cool!
I love historical fiction because you live the period with the characters. My daughter loved this book so much that she researched other women who fought as men in the Civil War for a report at school. You know you’re inspiring when a 7th Grader will do that! Please write more of these great stories. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Your words are magic to my ears, Judy! I’m elated to hear that my story inspired your 7th-grade daughter enough to research for a school report other women who disguised themselves to fight as soldiers in the American Civil War. Thanks for stopping by and fueling my desire to get to work on my next novel!
Historic fiction and urban fantasy both give me a way to experience things I have no other way to do so without that book in my grasp. For history I learn details of everyday life, of battles, a myriad of things I then chase down through the internet. If they also happen to be overlaid with the story of two people stumbling their way to HEA, even if just for a while, all the better. These fictional journeys provide so much quality to life. Joy, small pleasures, escapes, sometimes even lessons learned without the personal cost.
Congratulations on sharing your brain child with a wider audience, and the kudos of being Kaki’s choice! Neither is a small feat.
Thanks for making your way to this blog, Larisa, and weighing in with your insightful comment about fiction: our characters may not be real, and sometimes their environments non-existent, but their journeys and lessons learned are universal. And that’s the trick to writing good characters–infusing personal experiences into your fictional characters to make them feel real. And you are right about it being no small feat to be on Kaki’s blog; I am honored and can’t thank her enough for inviting me!
Hi Lisa! I’m excited to read your book! I do have a story stalking me. . .I have uncovered a newfound passion for researching and writing historical fiction. I think it’s partly about the time period itself, and the rest is all about falling in love with the characters and that ultimate escape from the real world when reading. Thanks for sharing your journey! Kaki is one of my favorites; I’d say she brought me back into historical fiction when I picked up “Heartbreak Creek.”
Hi Christina! I’m so glad to hear that I’m not the only one who senses characters and story bits “stalking” them. I wish you the very best in exorcising them onto paper. It’s always nice to have a comrade in arms in the genre of hstorical fiction–speaking of which, I’ve read all of Kaki’s novels, and I believe her writing could inspire those who have no interest in writing historical fiction into a yearning to write it!
Congratulations Lisa. I wish you all the best and lots of success with your novel. Civil War history is absolutely fascinating. I live in Pennsylvania, a few miles from Carlisle and Gettysburg. Civil War history is embedded in this area. I can relate to the inspiration you found while visiting the Hunter House. I have been on the grounds of West Point. It is an incredibly inspirational and moving experience. I am looking forward to reading your novel.
Thanks for your kind words, Randy! Talk about a moving experience–Gettysburg is certainly one of those for me. Besides the battlefield, many of the town’s buildings are intact from the Civil War days; I toured one of the residences in which some of the members of the Tenth New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment (in which my character enlists) stayed while they were stationed there for 72 days and before barracks were built for them. But I envy your visit to West Point; that is definitely on my list of must-sees! There’s nothing like getting out and playing with the ghosts at the historical sites.
Hi Kaki n Lisa, I love history since I was a kid. Always get A+ in history:). I guess that’s why Iove to read historical romance more than anything because I feel like I’ve been thrown to the past and found out that romance in the past, now, and then are actually the same:), totally beautiful 😀
Thanks for dropping by, Aretha zhen! You are right–falling in love is what it is, but how an author gives that act a new twist coupled with the intrigue of an historical setting (that we readers can’t help but romanticize) is always worth exploring, in my opinion. By the way, I got As in history too, only because I was motivated to study, but I didn’t like the subject as I love it now. So, I’m glad to hear that there are people out there who loved the subject back in school and were rewarded by it in their report card–YAY!!!!
Lisa, congratulations on the publication of your first novel. In the upcoming months I cannot wait to drop my studies and start reading for recreation again. Sweet Glory is the first book on my roster once I can start reading for fun again! I wanted to ask you what it was like for you after eleven years of hard work to hold your finished book? I can’t imagine how it must have felt for you to hold your book for the first time! I have the pleasure of knowing an author myself and when I held the book for the first time I felt all sorts of emotions. Congratulations again, what an exciting time for you this must be!
Thanks, Corky, for hanging in there and writing a comment! First, let me say that I hope your studies are leading you to your own passion in life. As the saying goes: You gotta love your job!!! Second, I hope my book lives up to the escape you are looking for from those studies. It’s really sweet of you to wonder about my emotion(s) when I first held my glossy “brain child” in my hand. I fell into a chair, plopped my forehead against my overlapping arms resting on a countertop and wept–I didn’t stop until every single tear that represented my journey (with many heartbreaks that nearly made me quit writing) to reach my lifelong dream was shed. Or so I thought they were shed–I’m tearing now as I reflect back upon that moment–I guess I’ll never get over it. BUT I reckon that’s one instance I never want to get over!!!! What is life without wonderful memories? Thanks, Corky, for dredging up a great one for me.
And as it appears that the conversation is winding down surrounding my interview by Kaki on her “Virgin No More” blog, I hope you don’t mind me using my reply to your comment, Corky, to thank Kaki for having me as a guest, giving me such great exposure, and providing me with such a fun experience. And to thank all of the commenters who dropped by with their profound and insightful thoughts. This is another memory I shall cherish forever!!!!
Your reply made me misty eyed! I feel honored that you used your reply to me as a thank you! Congratulations on your journey, and I wish you all of the best in the upcoming days.
Lisa, your book is amazing! You completely transformed me to the past, and I didn’t want to put it down. My daughter attends an all-girl high school in Cleveland and I would love to see them use this as a “field trip” (great idea history buff). It is so relavent to the young women today. Thank you!!
You have me blushing and gushing tears, Deann, at your very kind words! All I can say is…WOW!!! And thank you so much for liking my story enough to want to endorse Sweet Glory to your all-girl school!! I’m also ecstatic that you picked up on my story having relevance to the young women of today as I guess the subtle message in my story that could be gleaned is: you can do anything if you put your mind to it!
I have a degree in history. I love stories based specifically during the Civil War. The era I used for my major dissertation. I’m looking forward to reading this book. I love what Kaki writes, so if she suggests a book/author, I look into them. Good luck with your first book!!!!
Sorry, Debbie, my reply to your comment is below Teri’s. I’m a goofball–I stole this from Kaki–when it comes to the world of computers!
I never really liked History in school,now I can’t seem to get enough of it……maybe it comes with AGE.lol I just love to read about strong women in History,it makes me realize why women today can take on anything.Can’t wait to read this!
I couldn’t agree with you more, Teri! Just as we appreciate a fine wine that has aged over time, I think that our aging process, with its life’s experiences, appreciates in value those uninteresting morsels of information that we stored away in the attics of our minds. And I truly believe we women wouldn’t be as far as we are today if it weren’t for the women of the Civil-War who believed they could take on anything and who proved they should have just as much of a say in guiding our country. Although my story hasn’t aged very long, I hope you find it fine!
I’m jealous that you did your dissertation around the Civil-War era, Debbie! Makes me want to go back for a PhD so I can do the same! And I couldn’t agree with you more about Kaki’s writing—I get WICKED depressed whenever I finish one of her novels, knowing I have to wait a spell before the next will be released–no kidding!!! Anyway, I truly appreciate that you want to read my story, and I sincerely hope you enjoy it! I’d love to hear from you afterward.
Hey Lisa and all you wonderful commentors! What a smart group. Sorry I haven’t been as active here as I should–I’ve been on a road trip down to Texas to visit my daughter and son-in-law and THE PRINCE! As soon as I got here last night, I got out the computer and was thrilled to see so many people had dropped by to learn more about this amazing book. And what fun to read all these great comments. Lisa, you certainly have lit a spark. I can’t wait for my granddaughters to get old enough to read SWEET GLORY. Thanks, everybody, for your kind comments and for helping me spread the word about this great book.
It has been great fun chatting with people from all over the country who have an interest in reading and/or writing! I can’t thank you enough, Kaki, for allowing me to gather around your campfire to discuss historical fiction (especially Civill War related). I hope I have lit a match to fuel a passion in our country’s heritage—through my very small contribution that is “Sweet Glory” to me!
(Please refer to my other note of appreciation to you, Kaki, in my reply to “Corky”).
I can’t wait to read this book!!!! I’m envious of all the folks who’ve already read it. My two favorite genres are historical fiction & crime fiction. My experience is that historical fiction takes me to a deeper place than the crime genre. I get much more absorbed in the characters and the “there” of the story. It broadens my perspective in a way that just knowing the “facts” can’t accomplish. My definition of a really good book is one that you not only remember long after reading it – but you are sad when it ends. It’s like saying goodbye to a dear friend. And that’s what I imagine SWEET GLORY to be. Lisa, I am SO proud of you for passionately pursuing this deam. You are an inspiration!!!
Your kind and generous words are heartfelt, Barbara! I can’t wait for you to read Sweet Glory and then tell me if it lives up to your expectations of a really good book. It would be a dream come true to hear you say you were sad to have it end—but don’t say it ’cause I want you to—say it only if you mean it….LOL!!!! Speaking of endings, I just today, through my research, got one step closer to envisioning a climax and conclusion for a sequel to Sweet Glory–YAY! I only hope I have this writing thing down, so I can spin that one off faster than I did the first. I’m getting such great motivation and inspiration to do it from you and all of the other commenters!
Lisa. You’ve been so helpful to me as a new CB writer and we haven’t yet met. I would love a copy of Sweet Glory. Can’t wait to read it. A good story well-told in any genre is an exciting read for me. And I didn’t know that women were in the Civil War, but it doesn’t surprise me, now that you bring it up. I hope to join you in the “lost virginity” category soon. I’ve been writing and re-writing my novel for 6 years now.
I’m glad, Nanci, that I could be of service to you in my role as the Membership Chair of the Crested Butte Writers. And I’m also glad to have exorcised from your memory bank the notion that women disguised themselves as soldiers to fight in the American Civil War. I’m always hopeful that readers will enjoy my story once they get their hands on it. Since this blog interview was featured back in the beginning of February and the winner of a copy of Sweet Glory has been decided, I can offer you another chance. When I return from China in two weeks, I’ll host a contest on my Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/LisaPotocarAuthor for a signed copy of Sweet Glory. Stay tuned! And thanks for dropping by–I really appreciate it!
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