Posted on January 27, 2012 - by Kav
More Love and Laughter from N.Y. Times Bestselling Author
Margaret Brownley
I ‘discovered’ Margaret Brownley when I picked up a copy of A Lady Like Sarah at my Christian bookstore. I took a gamble and won. What a gem of a book and I eagerly awaited the next two in the series. Now I hear she is embarking on another series, releasing in March and I’m tickled to death to be able to introduce y’all to one of my favourite authors. So without further ado, here’s the interview.
Think back to when you were 11 years old. What did you think your future would hold? Any truth to your childhood prophecies?
First, thank you for letting me visit today. To answer your question: Oddly enough I wrote my first novel when I was eleven years old and in fifth grade. Talk about childhood prophecies. The book was a mystery that I didn’t know how to end. Still don’t.
That’s great! I wrote my first book when I was eleven too! As I recall it involved aliens and a mystery and there might have been a bit of time travel in there as well. Clear to see why you’re the published author!
When you embark on a new writing project what comes first — characters or plot?
It’s different with each book. Sometimes characters spring up and lead the way. At other times I have to chase after them with a hatchet.
BTW: The idea for Brides of Last Chance Ranch series came to me after reading an old newspaper article in the New York Times dated 1891. A group of fifty ladies of the First Church of Millford formed a society of old maids in 1861. Each member vowed she would not marry. Each woman paid five dollars on admission with the principal going to the one who remained unmarried the longest. Thirty years later all but fifteen of the original had married. I was never able to find out who won the prize—and sincerely hope no one had— but the concept intrigued me and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
I love when real life inspires fiction! A church I went to a while back had a group of elderly unmarried women, though I’m not sure they took a vow! They called themselves The Unclaimed Treasures. How cute is that?!
You are known for your spunky heroines who dance to a different drummer. Do you have any tips you can share with hopeful writers about how to flesh out memorable characters?
For me it’s all about voice. If a character isn’t waking me up in the middle of the night to chat than I know he or she isn’t fully developed. I start by having each character say the same sentence in their own unique way.
In Dawn Comes Early I asked my characters to introduce themselves. My heroine Kate Tenney said “How do you do.” The hero said, “Howdy ma’am.” That’s when I knew that Kate was college educated and Luke was not. In fact he’s a blacksmith with little formal education. This makes for an interesting conflict between them. Half the time he doesn’t even know what she’s talking about.
Note to self: it’s okay to talk to characters in the middle of the night.Phew! Love how they become such a part of you. That really reflects in your writing.
I love all the historical details you add to your books — from the chapter quotes to stories seeped in history. I feel transported back in time when I’m ‘reading Brownley’. Are you a history buff with tons of information at your fingertips or do you have to work at your research. You certainly make it seem easy!
At last count I had 1500 research books in my library and I’m always on the lookout for interesting tidbits and unusual facts. Since the heroine in Dawn Comes Early is a dime novelist I read a bunch of them. When things like “Curses, foiled again” started popping out of my mouth I knew it was time to stop.
The trick is to slip historical facts into the story naturally as part of dialogue or action and not narrative. Historical details are best served in little doses.
1500 hundred books! A woman after my own heart (says the librarian who collects books the way other women collect shoes.) What aspect of being a published writer surprised you the most?
After having published more than twenty-five books the thing that surprises me the most is that I’m not rich.
If you had one piece of advice to pass on to an aspiring writer, what would it be?
Enjoy the ride. Unpublished writers have a luxury not accorded those of us published; you can spend as much time as necessary writing the book and giving it all the loving care it needs. The rest of us have deadlines to meet.
Sage advice that puts a whole new perspective on playing the waiting game. Savor the moment. Thanks for that! Can you tell us a bit about your new book coming out in March?
Dawn Comes Early
Looking for woman
of good character and pleasant disposition
willing to learn the ranching business in Arizona Territory.
Must be single and prepared to remain so
now and forever more.
Will be given ownership of ranch.
–Eleanor Walker
Her latest dime novel banned, twenty-nine-year old KATE TENNEY finds herself without a publisher or other means of support. An advertisement for a woman willing to learn the ranching business seems like the perfect solution for a displaced western writer who has no intention of getting married—ever.
Trouble begins the moment she steps foot in Arizona Territory. The west is nothing like she wrote about in her books. Not only does she have to deal with a hard-nosed ranch owner, and nefarious outlaw, but a traitorous heart. Deserted as a child by her father, grandfather and others—even God— Kate does not trust men and has no intention of falling for LUKE ADAM’S charm. She’s determined to learn the ranching business and prove to the doubting ranch owner that she’s up to the task—if it kills her. Her faith tested by the harsh realities of the desert, Kate battles to hold on to the one thing that promises permanence—land.
If only she could stay away from a certain handsome blacksmith and his two matchmaking aunts.
Okay – I’m hooked and already stomping at the bit for a chance to read another Brownley gem and I bet our blog readers are too. So, if you would like a chance at winning a copy of Dawn Comes Early, please leave a comment below. Be sure to include your email address so I can reach you if you win. But remember to disguise it from spammers by using AT and DOT instead of @ and . Winner will be announced and contacted on Sunday January 29th. Oh – and since the book doesn’t release until March, your copy will be pre-ordered and shipped when ready. Just think of the extra joy you’ll get anticipating its arrival!
And if you would like learn more about Margaret Brownley and her books you can contact her here:
You can also find Margaret on Facebook and Twitter
Thanks for stopping by inspirationalmessages, Margaret! I’m glad we got to know you better!
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White Pearls by Shannon Taylor Vannatter
Shell doesn't have a good reputation...But no matter what everyone in Rose Bud, Arkansas, thinks of her, she's back in town with a job to do. She'll stick it out and make the best of things. But why does Ryler have to be the landscaper on this project? She was just getting her heart under control. Ryler has his own reasons for being in Rose Bud, and they don't include Shell. Spying on his birth family was going to be hard enough. He doesn't have time to worry about a woman who dumped him...even if his heart says otherwise. A Great Catch by Lorna Seilstad
It's the beginning of a new century at Lake Manawa resort in Iowa, but some things never change. When Emily Graham's meddlesome aunts and grandmother take it upon themselves to find her a husband among the resort guests, the spunky suffragist is determined to politely decline each and every suitor. She has neither the time nor the need for a man in her busy life.
Carter Stockton, a recent college graduate and a pitcher for the Manawa Owls baseball team, intends to enjoy every minute of the summer before he is forced into the straitlaced business world of his father.
When their worlds collide, neither Emily nor Carter could have guessed what would come next. Will Carter strike out? Or will Emily cast her vote for a love that might cost her dreams?
The perfect summer novel, A Great Catch will enchant you with its breezy setting and endearing characters.
McKenzie’s Branson Brainteaser by Shari Barr
McKenzie and Sydney meet in Branson, Missouri, where McKenzie has been recruited to help at the Dixie Stampede. While the girls take in the sights and sounds of Silver Dollar City, they become involved in a search to find a teen girl’s long lost uncle–who is rumored to have settled near the Branson area. With no clue other than a whittled necklace with an “SS” on the back, how will they ever reunite Shara with her uncle? The Camp Club girls are on the case, and they’re not about to give up until they close the gap and reconnect Shara’s family.
The Prodigal Daughter by Linda Fulkerson
Ruled by despair, remorse, and anger, the author’s life had become a classic rendition of the cliché “What’s a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?” Desperate. Overwhelmed. Isolated. Trapped. She hit bottom.
On the elevator of life, those descending will all exit on different levels–some much lower than others. You don’t have to go all the way to the bottom. Stop now and push the “up” button. This book will show you how!
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January 27, 2012
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Rebecca H. said:
This sounds like an absolutely amazing book. I would love to read this. Thanks for the chance to win this.
agent_beckster(at)yahoo(dot)com
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January 27, 2012
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Merry said:
Great review. I’m excited about Margaret’s newest book, I can’t wait for the adventure, fun and romance. Please include me in the drawing. Thanks.
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
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January 27, 2012
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Debbie Lynne Costello said:
Interesting information. I thoroughly enjoyed the last book of Margarets. Her characters come alive and you can’t help but fall in love with them. I had to laugh about her characters waking her up. I think I sleep too hard, mine always hit me in the shower and I think I’ve got to get that down before I forget all the details! Dawn Comes Early is definitely going on my TBR list!
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January 27, 2012
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Sandra Orchard said:
Oh, Kav, it’s just like you to get us all excited about a book and then tell us we can’t buy it for another month! Great interview. What an intriguing newspaper article to spark the story…definitely hooked me.
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January 27, 2012
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Brenda Anderson said:
Hi Margaret! Thank you for visiting us!
I really enjoy it when authors base their novels on real life circumstances. That makes history come alive to me.
The concept for Dawn Comes Early sounds intriguing … Now I might have to look up a few dime novels and see what they’re all about.
Kav – thanks for another awesome interview!
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
But Sandra, the anticipation will make it a much more satisfying read, don’t you think?
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
Hey Brenda, I think dime novels were called penny dreadfuls as well, weren’t they? Or maybe that was in England? Anyway — I didn’t know that any were left to read, but it would be interesting, wouldn’t it? I can’t wait to come upon a situation where I can say “Curses, foiled again!”
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January 27, 2012
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Margaret Brownley said:
Kav, you’re right. Dime novels were called penny dreadfuls in Britain.
They became popular in the U.S. during the Civil War. Confederates and Union soldiers were on opposing sides politically but both camps shared the same passion for pirates, mountain men, adventurers and detectives.
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January 27, 2012
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Jennifer Whitney said:
I have never read a book from Margeret Brownley but have heard of her. This book sounds good. Thanks for the chance to win it.
jen.whitney08 at gmail dot com
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January 27, 2012
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Stephanie Ludwig said:
Hi Margaret and Kav! I wrote a mystery when I was 13, and couldn’t figure out how to end it, either!
Your concept of the old maid brigade sounds like intriguing, and I love it when history inspires fiction. I’ll have to give the books a read!
I’m not shy, I’ll be entered to win a free book!
stephludwig at hotmail dot com
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
Oopsie…wordpress did something silly like hiding some of the comments. I found them though and will keep an eye out for the pranskter for the rest of the day. Lucky it’s freezing rain here today and I’m home. Schools are closed for a P.D. Day and I was supposed to go to a library technology meeting but hooray…I can’t slither off my street so here I sit, cataloguing books and catching the wordpress gremlin at his pranks!
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
Good luck, Rebecca and Merry — you early birds, you!
Hmmm, Debbie, does that mean you’ve discovered waterproof paper and pen? And doesn’t it get crowded in that shower?
For me, inspiration comes when I’m walking my dog. I wax poetic and then come home and it all disappears. 
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
Oh, Margaret, there’s something very poignant about that image — soldiers finding solace in a dime novel. If anyone needed an escape, they surely did!
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
Oh, Jennifer, you’re in for such a treat! I’m excited for you! Good luck!
Glad you’re not shy, Stephanie!
You are a kindred spirit with your unfinished story too. We should start a club!
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January 27, 2012
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Regina Merrick said:
What a great interview! Margaret, you’ve been on my to-read list for a while now! I’ll definitely be looking for “Dawn Comes Early.” I love westerns and I love stories about writers! Come and visit us anytime! Kav, did you make us any tea this morning? Sounds like just the trick for an icy day!
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
Regina — how about some cranberry/orange fruit tea? It’s so delish you don’t even have to add sugar. Which is good because I put chocolate chips in the banana bread. Help yourself!
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January 27, 2012
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Regina Merrick said:
Yay!
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January 27, 2012
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Kari said:
I would love to see the article that inspired the series, it sounds fascinating. Really looking forward to reading this one! Please enter me in the giveaway
a_sorta_fairytale78(at)ymail(dot)com
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
It’s fun to see where authors get their inspirations, isn’t it, Kari? Good luck!
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January 27, 2012
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Dawn Ford said:
Margaret, Matchmaking aunts? I love those wonderful ornery secondary characters. Sounds like a great read. I couldn’t imagine forming a group intent on not marrying. Can you see that happening now? No wonder they call them the good ole days.
Great interview, Kav!
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
Thanks, Dawn. I love the idea of matchmaking aunts as well…and one ornery woman intent on not marrying! she must have given the author fits to write!
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January 27, 2012
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Lorna Seilstad said:
Margaret, thank you so much for stopping by today. I love how you got the idea for the old maids club story. I love finding ideas in old clippings. I’m amazed at your number of research books. Where do you put them all?
And I think it’s just fine to chat with characters in the middle of the night.
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January 27, 2012
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Kav said:
Your husband must be party to some pretty interesting conversations, Lorna!
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January 27, 2012
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Pam said:
I have loved Margaret’s other books and would really like to win this one. Have to feed that addiction, you know.
pam AT daysong DOT com
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January 27, 2012
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Pam K. said:
The first book I read of Margaret’s was “A Lady Like Sarah.” The book trailer was what grabbed my attention initially. My daughter (who is also named Sarah) and I both loved the book so much that we had to get the other two in the series. They were equally fun to read. I didn’t know Margaret had more than 25 books published; I need to find the others! I would love to win a copy of “Dawn Comes Early.” Thanks!
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
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January 27, 2012
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Marianne said:
So Kav, you haven’t trained your dog to replay your inspirations back to you when you get home? Maybe you need a phone that has a record feature, or you could send your thoughts in a message to your phone or something. Sure don’t like that those thoughts have disappeared by the time you get home. One phrase that has come from reading Lauraine Snellings Red Rivers series (yes she has more than one) is Uff dah, and both my mom and i use it, though it’s not our native language! i’ve read one of Margaret’s novels, and am looking forward to this one. Thanks again, ladies
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January 27, 2012
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Faye said:
Awesome interview! Thank you ladies
I liked the tidbit about the unmarried ladies society, what an interesting idea! I really enjoyed the unique conversational tone to the interview 
Very excited for this book
I would love to be entered for this book
Thank you!
crazi.swans at gmail dot com
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January 28, 2012
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Betsy said:
Look forward to a chance to win this book….really enjoyed “A Lady Like Sarah”!
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January 28, 2012
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Kav said:
Hey Pam and Pam K. — glad to hear that you are already Margaret Brownley fans! Good luck.
Marianne — rats, why haven’t I thought of training Simba to whisper my inspirations back to me after the walk?! Uh…probably because they’d be all garbled up with “squirrel!” exclaimations which would just be confusing! Now, if I were to write a treatise on squirrel hunting that would be another matter entirely.
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January 28, 2012
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Kav said:
Thanks Faye — I have a feeling this new Brownley book is going to be an awesome hit. Margaret’s managed to hook us already!
Hey Betsy! Good luck!
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January 28, 2012
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Betsy said:
Thanks Kav….and thanks for the link!
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January 28, 2012
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Leah said:
Wow this book sounds great!
I love the cover too.
Cant wait to read it!
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January 28, 2012
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Na said:
Thanks Kav for leading me to this interview. With Western stories I always enjoy reading about a strong and independent female protagonist and Kate sounds it. Of course independent women needs love too
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January 28, 2012
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Kav said:
‘welcome, Na. Good luck and you too, Leah!
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January 28, 2012
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Pam said:
I’m curious about Kate agreeing to the original agreement: Must be single and prepared to remain so, now and forever more. What if her heart buckles to that handsome blacksmith? Forever more is a LONG time!! Looking forward to reading this one.
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January 28, 2012
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Ingrid Stukey said:
Thanks for the Interview, please eneter me in your contest.
God Bless
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January 29, 2012
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Melanie said:
I’d love to be entered to win this book!
Thanks for the chance!
Melanie
frequentreader19 (at) gmail (dot) com
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January 29, 2012
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Aizess said:
Please enter me to win this book! Sounds interesting:-)
Thank you for the chance to win!
Yecenia[at]optonline[dot]net
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January 29, 2012
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karenk said:
would love to read this fabulous story…please count me in (if it’s not too late).
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January 30, 2012
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bette said:
I am so excited about this series wish march would come faster lol