Monday, May 16, 2011

Donna F. Crow's "The Shadow of Reality" and "A Midsummer Eve's Nightmare"




Thank you so much for inviting me back to your blog, K Dawn. I was here only a few months ago, but things have been happening so rapidly that I’m really excited to be able to share my latest news. You know how it is, one can go for years without seeing any progress, then suddenly the Heavens open. At least that’s the way I’ve always found it. I hope this is an encouragement for all of us to hold on for God’s timing and not give up.


Title: My newest release is A Midsummer Eve’s Nightmare, book 2 in my Elizabeth & Richard Mysteries. I wrote the first draft almost 10 years ago as the proposed second book in a romantic intrigue series I was doing for another publisher. The series didn’t work out. The manuscript went to the Boise State University Writers’ Archives and I spent the advance. Now, here it is— fully rewritten and with a stunning cover. Talk about a resurrection story.

Publisher:I so admire writers who have the savvy to publish their own books, but I need a support team. This series is with an Indie publisher, though. StoneHouse Ink is new and vibrant and believes in “embracing the technology.” This is just what someone as stuck-in-the-mud as I am needs.

Cover blurb:Elizabeth and Richard want nothing more than a quiet, romantic honeymoon— with a touch of literary charm. So they have chosen the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon. Perfection. Until they find that Desdemona’s brilliantly acted death scene wasn’t acted and Elizabeth’s costume designer sister and her actress roommate are terrified that they are slated to be the next victims.

1) How did this story come to you?
The Oregon Shakespearean Festival has always been a favorite destination for my husband and myself so when it came time to send my newlywed English professor team on a honeymoon Ashland was as perfect for them as it was for me. The plot developed naturally from the setting and from the Shakespeare plays which form the framework of the story. The theme, which explores the true meaning of marriage, was also natural in a honeymoon story but really plays out more when Elizabeth gives advice to her younger sister who is dazzled by the company’s leading man.

2) Tell me two things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
People are often surprised to learn that I’m an introvert, especially those who have been to a conference with me. But, as much as I enjoy meeting people and helping other writers, at the end of the day I’m exhausted and I need lots of down time to recharge my batteries. I’m also what the Regency writers would call a nip-cheese, but my mother taught as good economy. Of course, today it’s entirely PC to recycle everything, so for once in my life I’m in line with current thinking. I love dollar stores and charity shops.

3) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I just returned from a trip to Wales where I did the research for the next book in my Monastery Murders. Book 2 in the series A Darkly Hidden Truth will be out this fall, so my challenge will be to promote one book whilst writing another.
And then another Elizabeth & Richard. Since they all have literary figures in the background Jane Austen is up next. And that will entail another research trip. . .

4) Parting comments?
Follow your passions and hang in there through good times and bad. That’s true for any aspect of life, but I can’t think of a business where one needs it more than on the roller coaster we call publishing.

5) Where can fans find you on the Internet?
To see pictures from my garden and research trips go to: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/.
My blog is at: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/articles.php and you can follow me on Facebook at: http://ning.it/eLjgYp



21 comments:

  1. Thank you for hosting me, K. Dawn. Since I'm offering ebooks I'm happy to send them anywhere in the world, so with your permission, my drawing needn't be limited to US only.

    Now I hope your readers will come on over to my blog to read your interview there: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/articles.php?id=73

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  2. Oooh! I'm happy to have the chance to learn more about Donna AND to win one of her books. I just happen to be reading A Very Private Grave right now and I love it. Donna's details are delicious and her experience in both writing and traveling shows up. The reading is so smooth, it's easy to get lost in it.

    Thanks ladies!

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  3. I just finished reading A Midsummer's Eve Nightmare, and felt the same, Debra. The writing is so smooth in these cozy who-dun-its. You get lost in the story.

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  4. The blurb sounds very interesting. I love mysterys with a twist. I cant wait to get lost in the story I know I wanted to after readingjust that little bit...
    Thanks for the chance....
    Heidi
    heidijohnjeff(at)verizon(dot)net

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  5. I have heared great things about this author! Would love to win!!
    ramblesahm at Yahoo dot com

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  6. Donna, already have Midsummer & its in my top 10 to read.

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  7. Love Donna Fletcher Crow and would love an opportunity to win Shadow of Reality. margie at mijares dot net

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  8. I love a good mystery book. Sounds like a wonderful read. Thank you for the chance to win

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  9. Thanks for chance to win

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  10. would love to read this novel...thanks for the opportunity :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  11. Thank you all for your lovely comments! Debra and Christine, I'm blushing, but I love it. K Dawn, thank you again for this opportunity to meet your readers--what a great group you have!

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  12. Thanks for the chance to win!
    Ann_Lee_Miller@msn.com

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  13. I love a good mystery.
    Please enter me into the drawing.
    wdesirees[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  14. Once again, thank you all for letting me share my latest with you. We'll let you know who won soon. I hope you enjoy Elizabeth and Richard!

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  15. So happy to be included in this giveaway!
    Thanks so very much!

    Many Blessings and Smiles:)
    Charlotte Kay

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  16. My son-in-law Rob LaVohn published and produced "A Midsummer Night's Midterm," a play about a high school group of students studying Shakespeare's play and interacting with the characters of the play. It was delightful. Therefore I was immediately attracted to your story and would love to win the book. i would share it with Rob, of course.
    Kaye Whitney
    kayewhitney@bellsouth.net

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  17. I think a lot of authors would say we're introverts. Which is interesting to me because before I started writing, I was an extrovert.
    Your books are on my to read list.

    meadowlark@loreepeery.com

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  18. always drawn to stories with a bit of intrigue.
    sign me up.

    avidreader at middleswarth dot net

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  19. And the winner is. . .

    Thank you all for entering! What a great group of readers, k Dawn, and thank you for hosting me.

    I put every name on a slip of paper, put them in a basket and asked my husband to draw.

    Charlotte Kay, you came up roses. I'll send the books out as soon as I get your email address.

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  20. Charlotte Kay, congratulations on being the name my husband picked out of my basket! unfortunately, I don't have your e-mail address. I hope you see this. Please contact me through my website www.DonnaFletcherCrow.com so I can send you your books.

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  21. If I don't hear from Charlotte kay by Monday I'll pick a new winner--someone who remembered to put their e-mail address with their comment. smile.

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