Ella, thank you for having me! I have the best critique partners evah! You were with me before this story ever began and, oddly, never read it. So I hope it will be a treat for you.
Uh, er, I did read the first few chapters. :-) A lot has happened in the last year for you. First off, can you tell us a little about your upcoming book, Home. What inspired this story?
A lot has happened, but the best was selling my first book! HOME is a story of hope in a time when the world seemed to be in chaos with the Vietnam police movement. It brings two people together who’ve known one another all their lives, but they never really saw each other until Sam returned from the war. The town had turned against him and Poppy was his saving grace. It came about when my OKRWA chapter, as a group, decided to write the Scrimshaw Doll series. Each book leads to or is set in Oklahoma to highlight the awesome talent in our state. Each is connected in some way through the doll. HOME, the era (1967) called to me and I love the time frame so I did my research and wrote it.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why? What was the most challenging?
I think it was their first kiss. I got so wrapped up in Sam’s emotional upheaval that I could feel his release through that kiss. It was magical for me.
What, for you, is the hardest part of writing?
Making myself sit and write. My best productivity is when I can’t access the internet. Lol I’m addicted! I’m trying to learn to focus and write, but those emails and blogs keep calling and I answer every time. When I actually do write- it would have to be keeping the momentum through the middle of the story. To stiffen up that sagging middle and keep the pace and action going. That’s hard for a lot of writers.
What was one of the most surprising things you’ve learned in creating your books?
I really can do this! I always thought I could write and sell, but I’m not sure I actually believed it. Not really. Not until HOME sold. I think all authors go through a few moments of wondering why we even bother. There are so many better writers getting the sales. What chance do we really have? Are we fooling ourselves? And then it happens to you and...WOW. The feeling is indescribable.
What do you think your protagonists thinks about you? Would he want to hang out with you, their creator?
I don’t think Sam would want to spend much time with me. I’m very curious by nature. I would probably ask him all those tough questions about the war that he’d rather just forget about. Stuff I can’t get from faceless articles on the internet. Now Poppy and I? I can see us having a mocha or wine and having a silly good time.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Oh, geesh! I don’t know if I can remember that far back! Lol I’ve been writing since I was in junior high (middle) school. I began writing more than poems when I was fifteen and in love with every new rock band that came out. But it wasn’t until 2005, kids almost all grown, that I seriously decided I can get published, so I buckled down and began to learn the craft in earnest. My first book was rejected. It was lost by one editor (which I consider a rejection) and rejected on record by a second editor- two times- two years apart during that same submission process. I still laugh over that. How many authors can say they were rejected three times on one submission?
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you, either growing up or as an adult? Not really. I read a variety of authors/genres growing up so there wasn’t really any one that inspired me. That award goes to my husband who gave me encouragement and time to just write any time I needed it as the kids grew up. He’s the one who told me, “Just sell the damn things!” when he became tired of lugging around a ton of ‘what-if’ folders for me.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Let’s see... *taps finger to chin* I guess it would be having music that resonates with whatever I’m writing. Is that a quirk? I don’t know, but I rely on music when I feel stumped on a scene. With HOME it was sixties music that kept me grounded. For my paranormals I tune into certain types of rock and for contemporaries it’s country. Except- my heroine in one book listened to opera. I had never listened to opera until she came along!
Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?
Honestly? Getting the nerve to submit. But this whole book has been full of challenges. I don’t write historical... It’s historical- 1967. I write full length, 55,000 plus words... HOME is 21,000. I swore I would publish traditional print first. HOME is strictly an ebook. I’m still trying to explain that to family who have never heard of such an animal. They want to know why it won’t be paper... That’s not what an ebook is. It’s an electronic book.
How excited were you when you got that first book contract? How did you celebrate?
How excited was I? I think I pulled a muscle in hubby’s back jumping on the bed where he lay...trying to sleep. Lol And darlin’ that he is, he surprised me with a party of family and friends that weekend.
Is there a particular theme or idea you’d love to work with?
Hm. I have a paranormal series I’m working on. It deals with Cherokee legends. Being part Cherokee, I’m excited about these stories. I want to bring my heritage to life even if it’s in an exaggerated way. I hope to do my ‘People’ proud and not shame them. These stories take more research than any I’ve ever attempted to write because it feels real to me in a deep down way, and that I need to get facts right. If that makes sense.
If your book were made into a movie, who do you picture playing each character’s part? Young Natalie Wood is my Poppy. Sam-- I never could pin him to anyone I can say, “That is my Sam.” Even now, I know how he looks, but to pick a look alike? Can’t do it. That is the one thing that bugs me about his character. He remains a mystery man for me in a way no other character ever has. He’s well rounded, but I can’t find his picture.
What can we expect to see next for you?
Well, I’m working on a cowboy story for TWRP’s Yellow Rose line. Don’t know if I’ll get it finished before all the slots are filled, but I’m trying (remember that sagging middle I mentioned? Yeah...). I have a fireman story waiting for me to finish the cowboy’s story and get back to. I can’t wait. And, of course, my paranormals are always whispering in my ear. I also have a couple of completed manuscripts I’m revising. But no releases other than HOME right now.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Calisa. It was fun having you hang out! :-) So now that we have some background, how about a little excerpt...
BLURB:
What could a gypsy and a Vietnam veteran have in common?
Silvertown’s outcast, Poppy Tippen, has loved football hero Sam “The Force” Callahan forever. But he never seemed to know she was alive. Now he’s home from the war and she suddenly finds herself comforting him from the demons of “that damn war.” Is his attention merely an escape from the haunting nightmares? Or does she hold the interest of the only man she’s ever truly loved?
Sam Callahan’s only solace from the war nightmares wrecking his life comes in the unlikely form of a gypsy girl with stigmas of her own. He’s known Poppy his entire life, but there’s something different about her now. Something special he desperately wants to hold on to. Can he convince her she’s the only thing he needs to put the past behind him?
Uh, er, I did read the first few chapters. :-) A lot has happened in the last year for you. First off, can you tell us a little about your upcoming book, Home. What inspired this story?
A lot has happened, but the best was selling my first book! HOME is a story of hope in a time when the world seemed to be in chaos with the Vietnam police movement. It brings two people together who’ve known one another all their lives, but they never really saw each other until Sam returned from the war. The town had turned against him and Poppy was his saving grace. It came about when my OKRWA chapter, as a group, decided to write the Scrimshaw Doll series. Each book leads to or is set in Oklahoma to highlight the awesome talent in our state. Each is connected in some way through the doll. HOME, the era (1967) called to me and I love the time frame so I did my research and wrote it.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why? What was the most challenging?
I think it was their first kiss. I got so wrapped up in Sam’s emotional upheaval that I could feel his release through that kiss. It was magical for me.
What, for you, is the hardest part of writing?
Making myself sit and write. My best productivity is when I can’t access the internet. Lol I’m addicted! I’m trying to learn to focus and write, but those emails and blogs keep calling and I answer every time. When I actually do write- it would have to be keeping the momentum through the middle of the story. To stiffen up that sagging middle and keep the pace and action going. That’s hard for a lot of writers.
What was one of the most surprising things you’ve learned in creating your books?
I really can do this! I always thought I could write and sell, but I’m not sure I actually believed it. Not really. Not until HOME sold. I think all authors go through a few moments of wondering why we even bother. There are so many better writers getting the sales. What chance do we really have? Are we fooling ourselves? And then it happens to you and...WOW. The feeling is indescribable.
What do you think your protagonists thinks about you? Would he want to hang out with you, their creator?
I don’t think Sam would want to spend much time with me. I’m very curious by nature. I would probably ask him all those tough questions about the war that he’d rather just forget about. Stuff I can’t get from faceless articles on the internet. Now Poppy and I? I can see us having a mocha or wine and having a silly good time.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Oh, geesh! I don’t know if I can remember that far back! Lol I’ve been writing since I was in junior high (middle) school. I began writing more than poems when I was fifteen and in love with every new rock band that came out. But it wasn’t until 2005, kids almost all grown, that I seriously decided I can get published, so I buckled down and began to learn the craft in earnest. My first book was rejected. It was lost by one editor (which I consider a rejection) and rejected on record by a second editor- two times- two years apart during that same submission process. I still laugh over that. How many authors can say they were rejected three times on one submission?
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you, either growing up or as an adult? Not really. I read a variety of authors/genres growing up so there wasn’t really any one that inspired me. That award goes to my husband who gave me encouragement and time to just write any time I needed it as the kids grew up. He’s the one who told me, “Just sell the damn things!” when he became tired of lugging around a ton of ‘what-if’ folders for me.
What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
Let’s see... *taps finger to chin* I guess it would be having music that resonates with whatever I’m writing. Is that a quirk? I don’t know, but I rely on music when I feel stumped on a scene. With HOME it was sixties music that kept me grounded. For my paranormals I tune into certain types of rock and for contemporaries it’s country. Except- my heroine in one book listened to opera. I had never listened to opera until she came along!
Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published?
Honestly? Getting the nerve to submit. But this whole book has been full of challenges. I don’t write historical... It’s historical- 1967. I write full length, 55,000 plus words... HOME is 21,000. I swore I would publish traditional print first. HOME is strictly an ebook. I’m still trying to explain that to family who have never heard of such an animal. They want to know why it won’t be paper... That’s not what an ebook is. It’s an electronic book.
How excited were you when you got that first book contract? How did you celebrate?
How excited was I? I think I pulled a muscle in hubby’s back jumping on the bed where he lay...trying to sleep. Lol And darlin’ that he is, he surprised me with a party of family and friends that weekend.
Is there a particular theme or idea you’d love to work with?
Hm. I have a paranormal series I’m working on. It deals with Cherokee legends. Being part Cherokee, I’m excited about these stories. I want to bring my heritage to life even if it’s in an exaggerated way. I hope to do my ‘People’ proud and not shame them. These stories take more research than any I’ve ever attempted to write because it feels real to me in a deep down way, and that I need to get facts right. If that makes sense.
If your book were made into a movie, who do you picture playing each character’s part? Young Natalie Wood is my Poppy. Sam-- I never could pin him to anyone I can say, “That is my Sam.” Even now, I know how he looks, but to pick a look alike? Can’t do it. That is the one thing that bugs me about his character. He remains a mystery man for me in a way no other character ever has. He’s well rounded, but I can’t find his picture.
What can we expect to see next for you?
Well, I’m working on a cowboy story for TWRP’s Yellow Rose line. Don’t know if I’ll get it finished before all the slots are filled, but I’m trying (remember that sagging middle I mentioned? Yeah...). I have a fireman story waiting for me to finish the cowboy’s story and get back to. I can’t wait. And, of course, my paranormals are always whispering in my ear. I also have a couple of completed manuscripts I’m revising. But no releases other than HOME right now.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Calisa. It was fun having you hang out! :-) So now that we have some background, how about a little excerpt...
BLURB:
What could a gypsy and a Vietnam veteran have in common?
Silvertown’s outcast, Poppy Tippen, has loved football hero Sam “The Force” Callahan forever. But he never seemed to know she was alive. Now he’s home from the war and she suddenly finds herself comforting him from the demons of “that damn war.” Is his attention merely an escape from the haunting nightmares? Or does she hold the interest of the only man she’s ever truly loved?
Sam Callahan’s only solace from the war nightmares wrecking his life comes in the unlikely form of a gypsy girl with stigmas of her own. He’s known Poppy his entire life, but there’s something different about her now. Something special he desperately wants to hold on to. Can he convince her she’s the only thing he needs to put the past behind him?
EXCERPT:
“I’ll always want you, Poppy.”
Her head shook in automatic denial. “You’ll want a girl who fits your life. Not some gypsy with no family lineage to brag about. Your momma won’t accept that, either. She’ll make you choose someone like Connie, someone who fits into your world. Not the girl everyone avoids and whispers about behind her back. You’re gonna be the town’s doctor. You need an uppity wife who will make you proud.”
When Sam laughed, his chest shuddered against her back. Deep, husky, real. He turned her in his arms and looked down at her, smiling. “Poppy, do you honestly think I give a damn what people think? Look at me! I’m the town outcast, the survivor who should have died saving the others, not be here planning a future that includes a wife, a medical practice. “I shimmy under park benches, run from my mother’s lipstick, for God’s sake. I wake up screaming and crying over nothing in the middle of the night, crawl under my bed and hide, shaking, until morning. Hell, I can’t even be a doctor because I haven’t finished school yet.”
“I didn’t know. It must be awful for you.” No matter how it hurt Poppy to know he used her, it felt much worse to know how he hurt alone. “The only time it isn’t awful is when I’m with you. When I think of you.”
************************************************
Get your copy of HOME (on December 28th) at The Wild Rose Press.
Get the latest happenings and exclusive excerpts on Calisa’s website/blog http://calisarhose.wordpress.com
Small-town country girl, Calisa Rhose lives in a semi-remote area of Oklahoma with her husband, five dogs and one horse. All of her three daughters and their families live within throwing distance. She’s a member of RWA and the local chapter OKRWA. She intends to nurture and continue to grow as an author with the help of her family and supporters.
Find her on twitter @Calisa_Rhose and Facebook @Calisa Rhose
She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at calisa.rhose@gmail.com
All participating blogs for Calisa's HOME tour can be found in the News/Blogging News tab on her website at the link above.
“I’ll always want you, Poppy.”
Her head shook in automatic denial. “You’ll want a girl who fits your life. Not some gypsy with no family lineage to brag about. Your momma won’t accept that, either. She’ll make you choose someone like Connie, someone who fits into your world. Not the girl everyone avoids and whispers about behind her back. You’re gonna be the town’s doctor. You need an uppity wife who will make you proud.”
When Sam laughed, his chest shuddered against her back. Deep, husky, real. He turned her in his arms and looked down at her, smiling. “Poppy, do you honestly think I give a damn what people think? Look at me! I’m the town outcast, the survivor who should have died saving the others, not be here planning a future that includes a wife, a medical practice. “I shimmy under park benches, run from my mother’s lipstick, for God’s sake. I wake up screaming and crying over nothing in the middle of the night, crawl under my bed and hide, shaking, until morning. Hell, I can’t even be a doctor because I haven’t finished school yet.”
“I didn’t know. It must be awful for you.” No matter how it hurt Poppy to know he used her, it felt much worse to know how he hurt alone. “The only time it isn’t awful is when I’m with you. When I think of you.”
************************************************
Get your copy of HOME (on December 28th) at The Wild Rose Press.
Get the latest happenings and exclusive excerpts on Calisa’s website/blog http://calisarhose.wordpress.com
Small-town country girl, Calisa Rhose lives in a semi-remote area of Oklahoma with her husband, five dogs and one horse. All of her three daughters and their families live within throwing distance. She’s a member of RWA and the local chapter OKRWA. She intends to nurture and continue to grow as an author with the help of her family and supporters.
Find her on twitter @Calisa_Rhose and Facebook @Calisa Rhose
She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at calisa.rhose@gmail.com
All participating blogs for Calisa's HOME tour can be found in the News/Blogging News tab on her website at the link above.
Great interview, Calisa. And I agree a young Natalie Wood would be a perfect Poppy. Excited for your release. Getting close, now.
ReplyDeleteCheez Whiz! I almost forgot I was here today, Ella! Thanks for the invite! I actually did find a somewhat pic of Sam since we did this interview. A young Richard Gere. Not exact, but as close as I've been able to get to date. ;)
ReplyDeleteONE WEEK! WooHoo Baby!
ReplyDeleteThe thing about the pic I found of Natalie- I knew it was Poppy's picture before I even wrote the book. She just spoke so clearly to me. Thanks for coming by my wonderful cp!
Congrats on your new release and much MUCH success Calisa! I know you'll do well.
ReplyDeleteHad to laugh at your internet addiction...I have the same problem. I'm going to google it later to see if there's a group we can attend to cure us...or at least a blog with tips...LOL
Happy Holidays everyone!!!
Keep me posted on the crit loop Christine! We need that group!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the luck wishes hon.
I am so excited to be here, Ella! Who knew when we met how quickly we would all take off!
ReplyDeleteRejected by the same editor three times? Yikes. I'm glad you decided to stick with it and I can't wait to read Home.
ReplyDeleteHi Ally. Actually I was rejected by one editor by way of another and then that same one again when the second one lost the full ms and I had to resend it to the other again. Make sense? Remind me to tell you the story some time. ;).
ReplyDeleteHi Calisa,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on one of the hardest parts of writing is to find a place to do it away from anything on-line! It's sooooo easy to get distracted. When I bought my lap top, I took off the icon for internet and never put anti-virus on it. In that way I made it an internet free computer. When I use it, I use it only to write and edit.
DebraStJohn
I admire you Debra. I live on my laptop so that is my source of internet also, so not an option for me right now. Yay you!
ReplyDeleteI really like it's set during the sixties. I never had a chance to experience this decade, but really enjoy reading about it.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview. Love the excerpt.