Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Edwina Kiernan!

Talkshow Thursday: 

Welcome Edwina Kiernan!

What was your inspiration for the story?

The main theme of this novel is joy.

So, as I reflected on that, I realized that the best way to tell the story of Beatrice and Isaac would be to make sure the lamp of joy would shine brightly amidst the darkness of sorrow. In 1849, England was experiencing another outbreak of cholera, so it all seemed to tie together well, and from there, I plotted each character’s circumstances, trials and triumphs.

If your book is part of a series: Did you set out to write a series? Why did you decide to write a series?

Yes, I planned out the series overview before I started writing the books. For this series, Victorian Virtues, each novel has as its central theme one of the aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

I decided to write a series so that I could explore each of these themes in the context of the overarching theme, and because I, as well as most of the readers I know, enjoy spending time in multiple books featuring shared settings and characters.

Through this series, readers can visit a large cast of characters (a lot of whom recur in each book), in the fictional setting of Lindenfell, England, in the late 1840s and early 1850s. Even though the reading experience will be richer for those who read the whole series, each book can also be read as a standalone.

What draws you to the time period about which you write?

I love the fortitude and milieu of the mid-Victorian era. It was a time filled with great innovation and

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invention, yet it did not have all the bells and whistles -- and downright distractions -- that our world has today.

Whether it be clothing, art, architecture, or indeed most aspects of life at the time, more care was taken to do things well, and to communicate the beauty and sincerity that reflects how society ought to be.

Why do you write in your particular genre?

I’ve always been a fan of period dramas, historical literature and happily-ever-afters, so it was quite a natural fit. But the main reason I write Christian historical romance is because I believe that the true hero of all our stories is Jesus, and there is much scope both in historical fiction and romance in which to explore the big questions of life, love and loss, and to discuss and display the truth of God’s word and the atonement which only Jesus can offer.

What is your process for writing? (do you outline, have a special place or time of day you write, etc.) What is your favorite part of the process?

Once I have an idea for a story, I work out the characters first: who they are now, what happened to them in the past, where they want to be in the future. Once I’ve answered those questions, I’ll plot out the major plot points and then the minor plot points, then start writing. Sometimes, events and characters change a little as I write, but I usually stick relatively closely to the plot work I’ve done, and I spend a fair bit of time working the story out before writing anything, which allows me to write the drafts quite quickly. I homeschool in the mornings, so after lunch I head up to my office and write until it’s time for dinner. I’m not sure if I have one particular favorite part of the process — I really enjoy each stage!

What is your advice to fledgling writers?

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Figure out your ‘why’ — why do you want to write at all? Why do you want to write in your genre? Why do you want to tell a particular story? If you can answer those questions, you will be more likely to endure the inevitable doubt and disillusionment that can creep in when things get tough. Also, practice makes perfect — keep writing. Get feedback from someone who knows what they’re talking about and who understands all the ins and outs. Take their advice on board. Never think that you can do it all alone — you can’t, and you don’t have to. The writing community is a friendly place, and those of us a little farther along are always happy to advise and encourage those who are just starting out. And, if you’re certain that writing is what you’re supposed to do — do it, and never give up.
What writers or books have influenced you?

Too many to list! But some of the big ones are Anne Bronte, C. S. Lewis, Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and Anthony Hope — each of their stories are masterclasses in plot, characters and prose!

What is your next project?

I am currently working on a top secret novella which is part of a multi-author series (details to be revealed soon), and am also working on Book 3 of the Victorian Virtues series, The Library. The best way to keep up to date with my projects is to sign up for my weekly newsletter, which also features book recommendations, giveaways, fun stuff, freebies, encouragement and a free book! Sign up at: https://edwinakiernan.com/freebook

BOOK BLURB:

Will God hear their cries and grant them a future together, or will deadly occurrences tear them apart forever?

England, 1849. Beatrice Beckwith is an orphaned young lady living with her aunt. On the brink of her deepest wish coming true, her plans unexpectedly collapse. Then, a startling discovery and an outbreak of cholera set in motion a series of catastrophic events, plunging her into even bleaker darkness.

Isaac Taylor is forced to leave Miss Beckwith just as he's arranged a meeting to propose. His deceased great-uncle's derelict house needs restoration. But dust is not his only enemy, and a web of secrets soon entangles him.

Kept apart against their wills, Beatrice and Isaac must navigate deadly illness, family deception, and scheming neighbours, yearning for the time they’ll be reunited. But as they each face their darkest moments, they’ll endure more devastation than ever before.

Can joy once again be found, or will dangerous circumstances extinguish its light—and their very lives?

Brimming with faith and intrigue, this Christian Victorian romance from award-winning author Edwina Kiernan will encourage and delight you long after you turn the last page.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3FA4FmE

AUTHOR BIO:

Edwina Kiernan is the Christian author of six novels, four of which are award-winning. An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood. She is a committed follower of Jesus (the Living Word), and endeavors to use her pen to point others to Him. When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.

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