Growing Up With a Love for the Old West
Growing up, my siblings and I loved watching Westerns - movies and classic series like The Long Ranger and Bonanza. I loved everything Western: horses, cowboys, cowgirls, hats, and boots. One time we even sang Patch the Pirate's song, "Shoot the Gospel Gun", in church with our cowboy and cowgirl outfits and cap-guns, which we shot off at the end of the song. Some of my reading even included an occasional Western. Even though the Arty Anderson series was for boys, I ate it up too for it was a youth western series.
I was super excited when I got my own horse, well, mine and Brenna's until our feed money started running out and I was the only one left wanting to take care of a horse. Of course, that lasted until I ran out of funds and my parents could no longer fit the bill. It was fun while it lasted though, and I am grateful for a desire God fulfilled for me as a young person.
When I started writing my first book, it was set in the 1800s, like Little House on the Prairie. The next book in the series would be set on a cattle drive. Yes, all things Western and country life were my first loves.
Where I Find My Second Love
When I was around 15 though, I found my second love in reading - reading everything Jane Austen. When I had read most of hers, I started reading authors like Lori Wick (who wrote both of my favorite genres) Lawana Blackwell, Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, Sarah M. Eden, and others. I loved the fancy parties, the romance, the tea. Yes, I fell in love with all things Regency and Victorian. Even though I had liked the good old west and Indians growing up, I also grew up with a mother who loved tea cups. I would much rather drink a nice cup of hot tea in a pretty tea cup than a mug of coffee. Although, I do drink a cup of tea in a mug most mornings.
So, all that said, in 2021, I decided to write a book set in Victorian London, England. I heard about National Novel Writing Month (I think I accidentally called it National November Writing Month in earlier posts). I started studying the writing craft deeper, researching the time period I wanted, and plotting began. Thus Redeeming Louise was born.
I tend to write what I know, and as I have probably said before, I noticed that my heroines are all preacher's daughters. What do you know? :)
Redeeming Louise is the story of a Baptist preacher's daughter living in London, England during the Victorian era. She, her sister, cousin, and mother minister to the poor people of London. She and her sister issue each other a challenge - Louise to find a Mr. Darcy and her sister to find a Mr. Missionary to see which one will help the poor the most. The key is, that they are to find their misters before the London season is over. The problem for Louise, the one who has already been starting to become discontent, is she decided to find him by hiding the fact from her parents that she is going to balls and fancy dinners behind their backs. One thing leads to another, and before she knows it, she has hurt her family and her Mr. Darcy who has only been saved a few months. Though she gets things right, it will take a while to redeem her time and win back their trust. That is Redeeming Louise in a nutshell. I only hope I did not give too much away...
Upon Which My Readers Begin Their Lookout
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Right now, Redeeming Louise is in the editing stage. A dear lady from my church offered to edit it for me which I am extremely grateful for. She is on a hunting trip up north with her husband right now. I sent a little over half the book with her, and she will read the rest when she gets back. Hopefully and prayerfully, it will be ready for purchase by Black Friday. I can't wait. Meanwhile, I am starting the next book in the series during National Novel Writing Month.
I also need to come up with a title for my series. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them.
Until next time,
Elisabeth Kristine
