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Welcome Marguerite. How did you get started in writing?

I started writing when I lived in England in the fifth grade. My teacher, Mr. Lawrence, introduced the journaling concept. From there, I wrote story ideas that morphed into children’s stories. I tucked these away with my journals through the years. As a college student, I majored in Journalism thinking that would satisfy my desire to write—it didn’t. When my children were in high school, I researched my family history and knew I had to write historical fiction to answer all of my questions. In two years, I wrote six preliminary novels—two of them were the first drafts of two of my Revolutionary Faith books.

I love writing historical fiction. What is one thing you hope readers will take away from your story?

Actually, I want my readers to take away three things. I seek to entertain, educate, and encourage. I entertain through the plots and escapades of my characters with the fictional element. The historical research and background settings for my stories lead to an element of education. The Christian messages and life-changing experiences of the characters covers the aspect of encouragement. I try to do these three things in my writings. 

That’s wonderful. How do you get your story ideas?

My parents have so many stories from family history with charts, pictures, memoirs, letters, travel, and even an old family home.  The catalyst was a moment when I heard my father telling a group of tourists about our family—my family. I began in depth research where so many stories appeared, and my imagination took over. I wanted to know what these ancestors wore, ate, saw, smelled, and touched. How did they exist during the revolution? Voila, my stories.

That’s really cool. What do you plan to work on next?

I’m glad you asked. I have stand alone novels in a Gardens in Time series. The first is Labor of Love taking place in Florence, Italy in 1560. Next, Promise of Purity is set at Hampton Court, England in 1660. Whispers of Wisdom places the reader in the Chateau of Chenonceau in France, 1747. I’m excited for the readers to explore the awesome gardens as mysteries, romance, and court life surround them.

Sounds exciting. Where can readers connect with you?

My newest venture is my newsletter Sylvan Reads where there is a free short story available with signup. http://eepurl.com/gF-3I1

Other places are:

Website—Connect in Fiction: http://www.margueritemartingray.blog

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marguerite-martin-gray

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Marguerite-Martin-Gray/e/B01ASA16RC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Marguerite-Martin-Gray-261131773910522/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

Thank you for joining us today!

More from Marguerite

Thank you for stopping by the Wait for Me tour. I’m so excited about the release of this novel, the finale of the Revolutionary Faith series,

I have always been fascinated with the ordinary—the simple acts from day to day. When an historical event is added, I surround my fascination with questions. What did they wear or eat? Why did they marry? Did they have children? Where did they shop? What is incredible or surprising to me about the historical event or activity was at one time ordinary to the characters whether in fiction or nonfiction.

The ordinary that I like to encounter and write in historical fiction includes how the characters dressed. I even had the dress pictured here made for me just in case I want to present in costume!

Also, I like to explore the food my characters ate. I found a wonderful recipe for a beefsteak pie in an American Girl cookbook. I’ve made it several times. Yummy!

The ordinary activities such as going to church or to the market or mercantile make the characters real. Their lives have depth in their interaction with society. My simple faith in God’s provisions and promises flow into the lives of my characters. What makes the story exciting is the historical element linked with the dramatic background of war.

Thank you for continuing the journey with Wait for Me, rooted in the ordinary from two centuries ago.

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, March 26

Artistic Nobody, March 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 28

For the Love of Literature, March 29 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 29

deb’s Book Review, March 30

She Lives To Read, March 31

Betti Mace, March 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 1

Splashes of Joy, April 2 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 3

Texas Book-aholic, April 4

Inklings and notions, April 5

For Him and My Family, April 6

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 7 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a print copy of all five books in the series and a box of Charleston Plantation Tea!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/109d4/wait-for-me-celebration-tour-giveaway