Thank you Sarah Barthel for stopping by today to talk about your new book, Mackenzie's Cross.
If imitation is the
most sincere form of flattery, then inspiration must be a close second. When I sat down to write my first novel, Mackenzie’s Cross, I had little idea
what the story was or where the plot was going to go. I had recently finished a fantasy series by
Robin Hobb in which the main character was a bastard child of the
king-in-waiting. I loved how independent
he felt he had to be because of his birth situation. He was a fighter and self reliant because of
his origins But the entire time I read
his story, I continued to wonder—how would his character be different if he was
a girl.
Now, just to be clear, Mackenzie Cross, has absolutely no fantasy
elements in it. Yet I remained inspired
by the thought of a bastard daughter brought up in the middle ages. In many cases they were dismissed, given to
whore houses or even killed. But many
were also put into service for various reasons. For Mackenzie, she was taken
into Duke Kensington’s home and loved by the head cook, Adilla. She finds love and a family for herself. Yet, because she lacks knowledge of her
bloodlines, I believe she has developed more spunk and determination.
So, many years ago, I
sat at my computer and began typing this novel.
I had envisioned it as a coming of age piece for Mackenzie. A story in which she learns who she is and
develops a strength within herself. As
they say, however, the best laid plans often go astray. And sure enough, as I’m
typing through the pages something happens that surprised me. On the 22nd page of my first
draft, Duke Kensington died. What a
shock! My fingers literally jumped off
the keys and I burst our laughing.
“Well,” I said out loud to myself.
“That sure changes things.”
So, if you are
interested in spunky heroines, medieval settings, murder mysteries or simply a
fun read, I do hope you check out Mackenzie’s
Cross!
Publication Date: May 14, 2013
Topaz Publishing
Formats: Ebook, Paperback
Topaz Publishing
Formats: Ebook, Paperback
Mackenzie’s life has always been one of duty. However, in a land where even the Brotherhood of the Knights are becoming power hungry mongers, how can a young kitchen maid maintain her morals when tempted with all she’s never had?
In the end, the truth is even more complicated than Mackenzie had ever imagined.
Buy the Book
Amazon CA (Kindle)Amazon UK
Amazon US
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
Nurturing her love of language, she learned French, Latin and Japanese. This led her to study in Paris and host a Japanese exchange student. She followed her passion to American University in Washington DC, where she studied British literature and history.
Since then she has thrown herself into writing. She loves to find unique, and unexplored ideas in familiar settings. A member of the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators, she currently lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, daughter and two crazy dogs.
You can connect with Sarah on Facebook.
Giveaway
To win one of two copies of Mackenzie’s Cross please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Giveaway is open internationally.Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on June 4th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on June 5th and notified via email.
Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
Virtual Book Tour Schedule
Monday, May 12Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective
Tuesday, May 13
Excerpt at Peeking Between the Pages
Wednesday, May 14
Review at SOS Aloha
Friday, May 16
Spotlight at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, May 21
Guest Post at Just One More Chapter
Thursday, May 22
Excerpt at Let Them Read Books
Monday, May 26
Review at Book Nerd
Friday, May 30
Guest Post at Susan Heim on Writing
Wednesday, June 4
Review at Staircase Wit
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