Today I’m honored to have as my guest a new friend Tammy Barley, a writer par excellence and the author of the Sierra Chronicles trilogy.
I “met” Tammy when I read an interview with her on my agency's blog. She told about a contest involving her debut novel, where I’d have a chance to win a 7-night stay at a Colorado dude ranch. Can you guess the rest of the story?
I didn’t read “Love’s Rescue”—I inhaled it. This is one of the most finely crafted novels I’ve ever read. And I don’t say that because I won the contest! The setting, characterization and story line weave together to make a sweet and satisfying work of art. Here is a short synopis:
A Dividing ConflictIn 1863, the War Between the States is dividing more than a nation. To escape the conflict, Jessica Hale and her family flee their Kentucky home and head for Nevada Territory. Her brother, Ambrose, committed to the Confederates, rejoins his Kentucky militia and is disowned by his father. But the worst is yet to come.
A Heroic KidnapperWhen Unionists presume the family to be Confederate sympathizers, they set a devastating fire to their home. All alone and then “kidnapped” by cattleman Jake Bennett, Jessica is taken to a ranch deep in the Sierra Nevada wilderness. Can she overcome her resentment toward Jake for failing to save her family?
The Depths of LoveWhen Jake launches a plan to help Jessica’s brother escape from prison camp, she sees him for the honest, good-hearted Christian man that he is and now knows the depth of his love for her. Through the lingering smoke and smoldering ashes from her ruined home and murdered family, will Jessica see a future with Jake?
And now, the author of this stirring story:
1. Jen: Welcome to Audience of One, Tammy. Your debut novel, “Love’s Rescue” is set in the civil war era. What caused you to choose this time period for your series?
Tammy: While growing up, I move often (twenty-seven times) and lived all over the country. Kentucky was and still is my favorite place. My parents’ love of exploring and history led us to delve into the Civil War history of Kentucky and the South. After a time, the Civil War era began to feel more real to me than my own. It seemed natural to write about it.
2. Jen: From the moment you got the idea for “Love’s Rescue” to its release, how long was the process?
Tammy: I cringe to say this, but about twenty years, though my suffering kidney failure in 2001 and the transplant that followed finally allowed me the opportunity to accomplish most of the work, which took place during the final three years before it was released. Remember that Bible passage about God using EVERYTHING for good? =)
3. Jen: What helped you overcome discouragement along the trail to publishing your first novel?
Tammy: In truth, God had pulled me through so many tough situations that I knew He’d get me through any obstacles. He lifts up; He rolls the boulders out of our paths.
4. Jen: Although writing takes up much of your time, what other hats do you wear, and how do you keep them balanced?
Tammy: Good thing I love hats! LOL! I work full time as an editor, ghostwriter, and biographer, judge a number of the top writing contests in Christian fiction, am a single mom, home school three teens, and I help the kids to raise parakeets (we currently have eight babies and are hand-feeding four around the clock). How do I keep those hats balanced? By prioritizing, being flexible and—thanks be to God—being able to find the silver lining in any situation and being able to laugh.
Please return Friday for part 2 of Tammy's interview and a chance to win an autographed copy of "Love's Rescue."
What hats are you wearing today?
