Roseanna, thank you for joining us at Dark Glass Ponderinngs. Can you tell us about the concept behind Jewel of Persia?
Thanks for having me, Julia! Oddly enough, the concept for Jewel of Persia began because of my niece, who’s 13. I’d wanted to write a fictionalized account of Esther for her, but I hadn’t come up with any brilliant ideas. I was contemplating how to make my favorite story from the Bible the kind of biblical fiction I write—the kind with a fictional heroine—when I began to wonder about those other wives in the harem. “Hmm,” I thought, “what if Xerxes had another Jewish wife too? What if she and Esther had been childhood friends?” And Jewel of Persia was born . . . though not exactly as a book aimed at teens, LOL.
I love the cover of this book and A Stray Drop of Blood. They are so colorful and detailed, bringing me right into the time period. Can you tell us about the process of choosing the cover?
A subject near and dear! I have more say over the covers than many authors do. For Stray Drop, the designer’s wife actually did the modeling, LOL, because we were on a tight schedule. For JoP, I had a little more foresight—I made contact with a Greek jeweler who agreed to let me use photos of his lion bracelet, and a friend of mind located the gorgeous cover model (who is SO my Kasia!) and found a professional photographer to take the photos, after I’d stitched up the costume for her. But the true masterwork is thanks to our designer, George Weis of Tekeme.com. He is just brilliant and took those raw images and made them into real art.
The color that pops so beautifully on the cover of Jewel of Persia is all a testament to his attention to detail—he researched the colors preferred by the Persians and then went in and added it all by hand to the images he’d chosen (go figure, there aren’t any stock photos of Ancient Persian stuff not in ruins. The nerve!).
No other choosing was necessary—we give him our ideas up front and then trust him to work his magic, as he always does without fail. =)
Do you enjoy the research process? What does that involve for you?
I do! It can feel overwhelming before I get started, but I’ve managed to come up with a workable method. I’ll start out with basic, quick research just to get my facts about setting straight—usually this is internet research, or some reference books from the library. Once I’ve got those elements hammered out, I like to find primary texts from the time I’m writing in to use; in this case, Histories by Herodotus. I reread this massive tome (well, the relevant parts anyway) as I wrote, taking notes on anything that I thought might be helpful. I’ve also discovered that YouTube can be an amazing place to find documentaries, photos, and videos on historical subject matter. Who’da thunk? LOL.
Are there any Bible verses that have been particularly meaningful to you as a writer?
Oh, there are so many! But the one I most want to live up to is from I Samuel 3:19. Samuel has just been given his first prophecy, and it says, “So Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.”
As a writer, that just made me sit back and go, “Wow.” Words are how we reach people, how we communicate. Words have such great power . . . yet so often we use them poorly. But this is what I want to be able to say at the end of my life—that I have grown, that the Lord was with me, and that none of my words fell to the ground. I'm certainly no Samuel—but that's my prayer.
What biblical heroine do you most identify with and why?
Well, my favorite has always been Esther. =) (Duh, given Jewel of Persia, right? LOL) There’s something about the romance, the danger, the mystery . . . and the quiet faith that triumphs over ambition. Her story appeals to my inner princess, I guess. ;-)
Which of your book characters do you most identify with and why?
Hmm . . . I don’t think I’m all that much like any of the characters in JoP, actually. I try to be like Mordecai and Kasia, but I’ve got a looooong way to go to reach their levels of faith, LOL. Presumptuous as it may sound, I think I’m most like my version of Esther. The way I wrote her, she’s older than her years, with a serious streak . . . but can be cajoled into having fun with the more mischievous characters. What most defines her, though, is her loyalty to those she loves, even after losing them. She never forgets, and that’s something I tend toward as well . . . which isn’t always a virtue, LOL.
Do you have any favorite writing rituals? As a mom, do you write in the chaos or do you write when the kids are sleeping?
Well I prefer “when the kids are sleeping,” but there isn’t nearly enough of THAT, ha ha, so I’ve learned to write in the chaos too—and to set up a day a week when their grandmother takes them! =) It’s not very ritualistic, but I love little more than sitting down at my desk, laptop at the ready, with a cup of steaming coffee (and some chocolate never hurts either . . . )
Do you have any advice for balancing motherhood and writing?
Oh boy. It seems like every time I think I’ve got this figured out, something changes on me. But at this point, the thing that has really best helped me is that one day a week when I have help. The kids enjoy the time with their nonna, she enjoys time with her grandbabies, and I enjoy the hours of quiet when I can do what I need to do without interruption. On those days, we get schooling done first thing in the morning so they’re ready to go when she picks them up, and then she makes us all dinner that night. Just knowing I have that one day really helps me balance out the rest of the week.
What projects are coming up next for you?
I have no idea. ;-) Seriously, I just turned in a project that may be my next release, but I’ve yet to hear back from the editor, and she could yet hate it, LOL. So if that one falls through, my next project will probably be a sequel to one of my Biblical novels.
Susa, Persia
The third year of the reign of Xerxes
The river called to Kasia before she saw it, the voice of its sweet waters promising a moment of unbridled sensation. Kasia cast a glance over her shoulder at her young friend. She ought not go. Abba forbade it—rarely enough to keep her away, but today she was not alone. Still. Esther was not opposed to adventure, once one overcame her initial reservation.
Kasia gripped her charge’s hand and grinned. “Come. Let us bathe our feet.”
Esther’s creased forehead made her look far older than twelve. “We could get in trouble.”
Kasia laughed and gave the small hand a tug. “That is half the fun. Oh, fret not, small one. My father is too busy to notice, and your cousin will not be back from the palace gates until evening.”
“But the king’s household is still here. It is unsafe.”
“We will only be a moment.” She wiggled her brows in the way that always made her young friend smile. “It will be fun. Perhaps we will even glimpse the house of women.”
Esther’s eyes brightened, and she let Kasia lead her another few steps. “Do you think Queen Amestris will be out? I have heard she is the most beautiful woman in all the world.”
“Only until little Esther grows up.” She tugged on a lock of the girl’s deep brown hair and urged her on. The Choaspes gurgled up ahead, where it wound around Susa and gave it life.
Esther laughed and plucked a lily, tucked it behind Kasia’s ear. “I will be blessed to have a quarter of your beauty, Kasia. Perhaps if I do, Zechariah will marry me.”
“And then we shall be sisters at last.” Kasia twirled Esther in a circle. A merry thought, though it was hard to imagine Zechariah settling down. He was two years her elder, but showed no signs of maturity at eighteen. If anyone could inspire it, though, it was sweet little Esther. Once she grew up, half the men in the Jewish population would probably bang at Mordecai’s door . . . and probably a few of their Persian neighbors as well.
Esther joined her in her impromptu dance, then sighed happily. “I should very much like sisters and brothers. I am blessed that Cousin Mordecai took me in, but having him as a father provides no siblings.”
Kasia smiled but knew she had better change the subject before Esther fell into memories of the parents she had lost. Though three years past, the tragedy could still pull the girl into a vortex of pain. “Any time you want to borrow one of mine, you are welcome. Ima certainly has her work cut out for her today, trying to keep a rein on them in weather so fair. I daresay much of the royal house will be out to enjoy it. Surely we can spot a few of them.”
“And how will we know the queen? Will she be encrusted with jewels?”
Kasia laughed, even as guilt surged to life. She ought to get home and help her mother with the little ones. Soon. Five minutes and she would be on her way, back in ample time to check the bread and sweep the day’s dirt from the floor. For now, she could spare a thought or two to the palace. “She will be decked out in the finest Persia has to offer, surely.”
“Cousin Mordecai says that the king wears jewels in his beard at his feasts.”
She had heard the same stories but widened her eyes with exaggerated shock for Esther’s benefit. “In his beard? What if one were to fall into his soup?”
Their laughter blended into that of the river, and Kasia’s pulse kicked up. The weather was warming again, and when the sweltering summer heats came, the king’s entourage would leave. Kasia could not wait for the change in seasons. Her body may not tolerate it for long, but there was something intoxicating about feeling the sun’s burning rays upon her head. She always volunteered to gather up the barley seeds they roasted on the roads in the summer, and not just to spare her mother the task. To feel it. To be nearly overwhelmed. To watch the world around her quiver in the rising heat and let herself sway with it.
Esther paused a fathom from the river’s bank. “It will be freezing. The snows still cover the mountains.”
Perfect. Kasia grinned and sat down to unfasten her shoes. “We will only step in for a moment.”
Esther sat, too, and soon they tossed their shoes aside and helped each other up. They ran the six steps to the river, where icy water lapped at Kasia’s toes. She shrieked. “Oh, it is cold! Why did I let you talk me into this?”
Esther laughed and pushed her another step into the water. “I? Ha! And you are supposed to be the responsible one, taking care of me.”
“Responsibility begs to be escaped now and again.” She waded out one more step, careful to lift her tunic above the water.
When Esther stepped in, she gasped and leapt back onto the bank. “You are mad, Kasia. Your feet will be ice all night.”
A price worth paying for this freedom slicing through her. How could something that touched only one part affect her whole body? Her feet felt the prickles of a thousand needles that coursed like spears up her legs. A shiver sped along her spine, down her arms, and left her laughing. She turned to Esther, intending to tease her into joining her.
The levity died in her throat. Faster than she knew she could move, she jumped back onto the bank and put herself between Esther and the men that stood a stone’s toss away, watching them.
“Kasia? What are you . . .” Esther broke off, having apparently spotted the men. Fear sharpened the intake of her breath. “Your father will kill us.”
“Hush.” Kasia reached back with one arm to be sure her charge remained behind her. Her gaze stayed on the men. They each had a horse beside them, and gold roundels on their clothing. Bracelets, torcs, gems. A million things that shouted nobility and wealth.
A million things that meant trouble.
She dipped her head, gaze on the ground. Had she been alone, she would have grabbed her shoes and run, perhaps with some vague apology as she scurried off. But she could not risk it, not with Esther there too. What if the girl tripped? Or moved too slowly? Kasia could never leave her young friend exposed to two strangers.
One of the horses whinnied, fabric rustled, and footsteps thudded. Kasia tossed modesty to the wind and glanced up.
The taller of the two men moved forward. His were the more expensive clothes, the heavier gold. He had a dark, trim beard that did nothing to hide his grin. “My apologies for startling you. We should have continued on our way after we realized your cry was not for help, but I was intrigued. You often wade into the river swollen from mountain snows?”
Esther gripped Kasia’s tunic and pulled her back a half step to whisper, “Kasia, just give your apologies so we can go.”
Sage advice, except she doubted a man of import would take kindly to his questions going unanswered. She forced a small smile. “Not often, lord, no. I rarely have the time, and I should not have taken it today. My parents are expecting me home. If you will excuse me.”
The man held out a hand. “Far be it from me to detain you, fair one. But it is not safe for a beautiful young woman and her sister to be out alone. Do you not know that the court is yet in Susa? What if some nobleman concerned only with his pleasure came across you?”
The words ought to have terrified her, given the sweep of his gaze. But his tone . . . teasing, warm. A perfect match to that easy smile.
Her chin edged up. “I expect if such a man were to come upon me, he would try to charm me before accosting me. Then I would have ample time to convince him that his pleasure would be better pursued elsewhere.”
He chuckled, took another step closer. “But on the off-chance that your wit would fail to persuade such a man—there are some very determined men in the king’s company—I feel compelled to see you safely home.”
“No! I mean . . . it is not far, we will be fine. I thank you for your concern . . .”
The man’s eyes narrowed, his smile faltered. “You must be a Jew.”
A logical deduction—her trepidation at being caught with a Persian man would not be shared by a woman of his own people.
Still. The tone of his voice when he said the word Jew was enough to make her shoulders roll back. As if they were less because they had been brought to this land as captives a century ago. As if they had not proven themselves over the years.
She narrowed her eyes right back. “Proudly.” Not waiting for a reply, she spun away and grabbed Esther’s hand.
“Kasia, our shoes.”
“We shall grab them on the way by and put them on when we get back,” she murmured.
A mild curse came from behind them, along with quick footsteps. “Come now, you must not walk home barefoot. Please, fair one, you need not fear me. Sit. Put on your shoes.”
He reached the leather strips before they did, scooped them up, and held them out. The gleam of amusement still in his eyes belied the contrition on his face. He offered a crooked smile, his gaze never leaving Kasia’s.
She had little choice. Esther’s fingers still in hers, she reached out and took their shoes.
Esther pressed closer to her side and hissed, “Kasia.”
The man’s smile evened out. “That is your name? Kasia? Lovely.”
“I will pass the compliment along to my parents.” She would not ask him his. Certainly not. Instead, she handed off Esther’s shoes to her with a nod of instruction.
Esther huffed but bent down to wrap the leather around her feet and secure it above her ankles. Kasia just stood there.
The man arched a brow. “I have no intentions of hoisting you over my shoulder the second your attention is elsewhere.”
“And I would see you prove it with my own eyes.”
He shook his head, smiling again, and backed up a few steps. “There. You can sit and put them on, and you will be able to see if I come any closer. Is that satisfactory?”
Though it felt like defeat to do so, it would have been petulant to refuse. She sat and swallowed back the bitter taste of capitulation. Glanced up at the man and found him watching her intently, his smile now an echo.
Who was he? Someone wealthy, obviously. Perhaps one of the king’s officials, or even a relative. She guessed him to be in his mid thirties, his dark mane of hair untouched by grey. He had a strong, straight nose, bright eyes. Features that marked him as noble as surely as the jewelry he wore.
But it was neither the proportions of his face nor his fine attire that made her fingers stumble with her shoes. It was the expression he wore. Intent and amused. Determined and intrigued.
He fingered one of the ornaments on his clothing, gaze on her. “Who is your father, lovely Kasia?”
She swallowed, wondering at the wisdom of answering. Surely he had no intentions of seeing her home now, of . . . of . . . what? What could possibly come of such a short encounter? It was curiosity that made him ask. It could be nothing more. “Kish, the son of Ben-Geber. He is a woodworker.”
Esther made a disturbed squeak beside her, but Kasia ignored her.
The man’s mouth turned up again. “Kish, the son of Ben-Geber. And I assume he is not inclined toward his daughter socializing with Persians? It is a prejudice I find odd. Are you not in our land? Have you not chosen to remain here, even after King Cyrus gave you freedom to leave? It seems very . . . ungrateful for you Jews to remain so aloof.”
Kasia sighed and moved to her second shoe. “Perhaps. But it is an outlook hewn from the continued prejudice the Persians have against us.”
“Some, perhaps.” The man flicked a gaze his companion’s way. “But most of us recognize that the Jews have become valuable members of the empire. Take Susa for example.” He waved a hand toward the city. “It is such a pleasure to winter here largely because of the Jews who withstand the heat in the summer and keep the city running. We are not all blind to that.”
She inclined her head in acknowledgment. “And some of us recognize the generosity of Xerxes, the king of kings, and his fathers before him, and are grateful for the opportunity to flourish here.”
“But . . .” He cocked his head, grinned. “Your father is not one of those?”
Kasia sighed and, finished with her shoes, stood. “My father has lived long under the heel of his Persian neighbors. Were it not for the size of our family, he would have returned to Israel long ago.”
“Ah. Well, fair and generous Kasia, I thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Your wit and eloquence have brightened my day.” He stepped closer, slowly and cautiously.
Esther shifted beside her, undoubtedly spooked by his nearness. But Kasia held her ground and tilted her head up to look into his face when he was but half an arm away. “And I thank you, sir, for your kind offer to see us home, even if I must decline.”
“Hmm. A shame, that. I would have enjoyed continuing our conversation on the walk back to the city.”
With her eyes locked on his, she was only vaguely aware of his movement before warm fingers took her hand. She jolted, as much from the sensation racing up her arm as from the shock of the gesture.
He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her palm. Her breath tangled up in her chest. If her father saw this, he would kill her where she stood.
But what was the harm in a moment’s flirtation with an alluring stranger? He would return to his ornate house and forget about her. She would go to her modest dwelling and remember this brief, amazing encounter forever.
A stolen moment. Nothing more.
His other hand appeared in her vision even as he arched a brow. “A gift for the beautiful Jewess.”
That tangled breath nearly choked her when she saw the thick silver torc in his hand, lions’ heads on each end. “Lord, I cannot—”
“I will it.” He slid the bracelet onto her arm, under her sleeve until it reached a part of her arm thick enough to hold it up, past her elbow. Challenge lit his features. “If you do not want it, you may return it when next we meet.”
“I . . .” She could think of nothing clever to say, no smooth words of refusal.
With an endearing smirk, he kissed her knuckles and then released her and strode away. Kasia may have stood there for the rest of time, staring blankly at where he had been, had Esther not gripped her arm and tugged.
“Kasia, what are you thinking? You cannot accept a gift from a Persian man! What will your father say?”
“Nothing pleasant.” Blowing a loose strand of hair out of her face, Kasia let her sleeve settle over her arm. It covered all evidence of the unrequested silver. “He need not know.”
“Kasia.” Esther’s torment wrinkled her forehead again. “What has gotten into you? Surely you are not . . . ?”
She glanced over to where the man mounted his horse and turned with one last look her way, topped with a wink. Blood rushed to her cheeks. “Perhaps I am. He is a fine man, is he not?”
Esther sighed, laughed a little. “He seemed it, yes. But your father will never allow you to marry a Persian. As soon as he decides between Ben-Hesed and Michael, you will become a fine Jewish wife to a fine Jewish man.”
“Yes, I know.” Her breath leaked out, washing some of the excitement of the last few minutes away with it. “It hardly matters. The loss of one bracelet will probably not bother him. He will consider it restitution for our dismay and think of it no more.”
Esther lifted her brows. “But he said he would see you again.”
“Do you really think a man of his station will bother himself over a Jewish girl whose father cannot afford a dowry?”
“I suppose not.”
Kasia looped her elbow through Esther’s. “Come, little one. We had better hurry home.”
Esther renewed her smile. “You have quite the romantic story now. Someday, when you are an old married woman, you can pull out that torc and give it to your daughter along with a tale to set her heart to sighing.”
Yes . . . someday.
Want to read more of Roseanna?
She has generously offered winner's choice of:
(1) Signed copy of A Stray Drop of Blood
(2) E-book of A Stray Drop of Blood
(3) E-book of Jewel of Persia
(4) Signed copy of Jewel of Persia when it releases.
Also, if you're interested in purchasing go to Whitefire Publishing. Jewel is also available for $3.99 for e-readers of various types.
TO ENTER:
Please answer: What Bible character would you most like to see a fictional book about?
Include your email: email (at) wherever (dot) com
I will draw names in one week from today, 3/21/11.
37 comments:
Thanks so much for having me, Julia! I look forward to chatting with your readers. And readers, if anyone has questions, I'll be checking in regularly to answer them!
I agree that Roseanna is most like her Esther character. When I saw the question, I immediately thought of Esther :) I love that you included a sample chapter. Great idea!
Sounds like a great book!!
I love Ruth's story. I actually just read a book based on her character and loved it! I think writing a book based on a Biblical character is a fantastic idea. Can't wait to read this novel!
Sign me up!
lanapacker(at)me(dot)com
Roseanna, Thanks for coming!
Dina, Thanks for stopping by. What a nice compliment to compare Roseanna to Esther, one of my favorite Bible people.
Lana, Thanks for stopping by. I'll enter you (and don't forget for those who don't win how cheap this book is in ebook :)
I recently won a copy of Jewel of Persia from another blog, and I am SO very excited to read it!!! :)
Will I be stingy if I enter this contest, too? :P I would still love to read A Stray Drop of Blood.
There's a few characters that come to mind that I would like to read a fictional story about. I guess I'll go with these though: Hannah and Peninah(I'm sure I didn't spell that right)! I've always had sympathy for Peninah. I mean, I wouldn't be overly happy to have my husband loving Hannah more than me. :) I think way too often I have more sympathy than I'm supposed to for the "underdogs" of the Bible. :)
bluerosesheart at yahoo dot com
Dina, I suppose we should more accurately say that I wrote Esther a bit like me, LOL. Not intentionally, really, but . . . ;-) Yes, a huge compliment. Of course, Dina's the prez of my theoretical fan club, LOL.
Glad to see you stopping by again for a chance at my other book, Bluerose! I take it as a high compliment indeed. =) And nice to "meet" you, Lana!
Well, don't take this the wrong way, but I didn't even mean it as a compliment. It's just that Roseanna's personality in real life is very similar to how she characterized Esther in her story, which is still quite wonderful, so I guess it is a compliment :)
What a great first chapter! I love Bible-times fiction and would like to read a book centered around Tabitha (young girl raised by Peter), Dorcas (full of good works), or the mother of the little boy who shared his 5 loaves and 2 fishes. And I'd want there to be romance, of course! . . . But I'd also be happy with one of Roseanna's ebooks:) Thanks for the opportunity to win one!
reneeasmith61 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Bluerose, I would love to read Hannah's story and no I don't think you are greedy for entering this contest :).
Dina, That is a nice compliment :)
Renee Ann, Wow, either of those would be fascinating! Thanks for sharing & stopping by Renee Ann!
roseanna,
i so look forward to reading your latest masterpiece...great interview/posting.
i'm always interested in reading about jesus' mother, mary.
a fabulous giveaway :)
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Great interview! I loved the sneak peak chapter. I have been wanting to read A Stray Drop of Blood for the longest time. And now I really want to read Jewel Of Persia too!
I would like to read a fictional book about Isaac's wife Rebekah. But really, I like reading about any women from the bible :) thanks for the chance to win! PS. Carmen sent me :)
randomness.is.awesome@gmail.com
So Roseanna I saw that you actually made the costume that the model on the cover wore? That's so cool. My mom's a seamstress but I got absolutely zilch in the sewing talent department LOL!
I'm definitely interested in JoP since I LOVE the story of Esther! As for which Bible character I'd like to see featured in a book it would probably be Ruth. I know I just read Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs based on that story but I think a more modern twist would be kinda cool!
Thanks for the opportunity Julia and Roseanna!
XOXO~ Renee C.
steelergirl83atgmaildotcom
Yep, Renee, I made the costume--I'm not exactly a seamstress, but a chiton is just two panels, sewn 3/4 of the way up each side, then buttoned at the neck/shoulder. Even I could manage that, LOL. =)
Good to see you here!
I always, always like fiction books on Bible characters. Esther is one of my favorite Bible character and I always like reading fiction stories about her. For a Bible character I would love to see in a book, it would be Rachel. The love triangle between Jacob, Rachel and Leah would make an amazing romance story!
writer.chicka[at]gmail.com
I would love to see a book about DEBORAH. I think there's some interesting things people could say about her.
Amy // artsyrockerchick at aim dot com
Thanks for the great interview! And I would like to read a fictional story about Tamar, King David's daughter, Zipporah, Moses' wife, and Mariam, Moses' sister. Actually any of the bible ladies that are not talked about much. I learn so much about them in a fiction novel.
Blessings.....Joy
ibjoy1953[at]yahoo[dot]com
KarenK, I agree Mary would be quite an interesting main character. I've only read one book about her and unfortunately it was a disappointment.
Casey, Rebekkah would be a great character. I've entered you in the drawing.
Renee, Thanks for stopping by. I'm reading Mine is the Night, too and enjoying it very much. Good luck in the drawing.
Evangeline, Great choice! I think that triangle would be great. So many great Bible women that haven't been "tackled."
Amy, Wow, another great story choice. I'm always impressed with Deborah's leadership ability.
Joy, Francine Rivers did a great job of writing about Tamar as a main character I belive. A whole series about the women in Moses life would be fantastic. I'm entering you in the drawing.
Oo, yes, I read and loved Francine Rivers' series of novellas on Biblical women in the lineage of Christ. Also, y'all should check out Orson Scott Card's Women of Genesis series--he does a fabulous job with Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel & Leah. Also gotta give a shout-out to my friend Mesu Andrews, whose book about Jacob's daughter Dina just released from Revell--LOVE AMID THE ASHES. Fabulous work. =)
So glad to meet you all!
I would like to read a book about Rebecca. How she and Isaac were chosen for each other and the difficulties they went through with their sons.
arsmelser6[at]gmail[dot]com
Carmen sent me!
LOL Roseanna, sewing two panels together is more than I can manage so I consider you to be talented! :-P
XOXO~ Renee
*Squeal of excitement* I want to read this book so badly! I can't wait for it to release!!! If I won, I would want a signed copy of Jewel Of Persia when it releases. :D
Hmm...I have always wanted to read a fictional account of Moses, but such a story would have to be a trilogy at least. His story stretches from Exodus through Deuteronomy and I'd want his entire story. :)
Thanks Roseanna for this awesome giveaway!!!
- Kait
momiswayweird(at)gmail(dot)com
I would love to read a story about any Bible character. While no particular name is popping to mind, I'd say do anyone who is a lesser known or minor Bible character. I think that could be really cool. :)
photographer4ever832[at]gmail[dot]com
I think it would be neat to see what happened to Jairus's daughter ... how was she affected by her encounter with Jesus?
Thank you for the chance to win! Loved the excerpt. =)
jafuchi7[at]hawaii[dot]edu
(sent by Carman)
I would love to read a story about Gomer, Hosea's wife. I think that would be an interesting read.
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
I would be so interested in reading a book about Mary Magdalene if it could be handled gently before she met Jesus compared to the change He made in her life!
Charlotte
charlovesmark at gmail dot com
I would love to see a book about King David.
My email is: sneezybee23 at yahoo dot com.
I was told to mention that Carman sent me over.
I would like to see a fictional book written from Jesus' point of view from his teens/20's. Alot has been written about his birth and his death, but what about the time in between?
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
**Carman sent me
Roseanna is a terrific writer. I won SDoB and was hooked on her style right then. I'm looking forward to JoP. I'd love to see a story about Eve, exploring what happened after the fall. If I win, I would like a signed copy to go with my other one :)
Thanks for the giveaway Roseanna, and the great interview, Julia!
homesteading[at]charter[dot]net
oops...carman sent me!
I love reading about the women in the Bible, I too have the Francine Rivers collection and would love to win your books.
Glenda Alexander
gka444(at)gmail(dot)com
So good to hear from everyone! And (if anyone checks back to see if I've replied, LOL), I also got some awesome news while this was up--Summerside Press has just bought another of my historicals! LOVE FINDS YOU IN ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND will be out this December, and I'm a bit giddy over it. =)
Best of luck, everyone! I love hearing all the talk of Biblical fiction possibilities! (Taking notes . . . LOL)
Congratulations! Wonderful news!
I will look forward to reading it also!
I'd love to read a story about Isaac and Rebecca!
niastrong21(at)gmail(dot)com
Enjoyed your blog and looking forward to reading your book. I would enjoy reading about Ruth and Naomi. Thanks
true_sheila at yahoo dot com
I would love to read a book about Deborah or Lydia.
t_blogs(at)cyberhaus(dot)us
Roseanna, I'm so happy to hear you are going to be published in the Love Finds You series! We'll definitely have to have you back to introduce that book to readers!
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