Faith and Honor by Robin Maderich

About the Author:

Although published in various genres of romance, both in print and electronic format, Robin Maderich's first novel was historical, released by Warner Books (before the big merger with Time) in 1989. Faith and Honor hs since been reprinted and the second in the trilogy released. Most recently Robin is enjoying an association with New Concepts Publishing and had a brief but satisfying association with Inara Press. She has also illustrated a children's e-book which was released last year.

The rural village in Pennsylvania where Robin resides with her husband and multiple pets has provided much of her recent inspiration. The fact her three sons are all grown has allowed her more time to pursue writing. As one might expect, Robin's feelings regarding that circumstance are mixed.

Robin's love of history, research, the intricacies of detail and stretching her imagination have aided her immensely through the ever-expanding process of learning her craft.

For more information please visit http://www.robinmaderich.com/

About the Book:

Rescued from the harrassment of British officers in Colonial Boston by handsome, secretive Fletcher Irons, Faith Ashley's slumbering passions are ignited, until the discovery that Fletcher himself is an officer of the army she has come to despise, a man who is the enemy. Yet with persistence, Fletcher wins the fiery Faith's love. When the colonies erupt in Revolution, Faith refuses to choose between her loyalty to the cause and her love for the man who is far more than the color of his uniform. Will her honor be her undoing?

I was lucky enough to get the author to agree to an interview. Here are the answers to the questions I asked her:

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

Certainly. Faith and Honor is set in Boston just prior to and during the War for Independence. Faith Ashley is, by today’s standards, a young widow, headstrong, independent, passionate about the patriot cause. After her initial meeting Fletcher Irons, she discovers he is not a Boston merchant, but a Lieutenant in the British Infantry. The name of the book reflects the content, and is not just a play on Faith Ashley’s name, although a certain intent did exist. The story is somewhat epic in that it spans quite a few years, and also a moving tale of two honorable people torn between duty and love.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

What happened to prompt this book was a request by the editor of Warner (the first publisher of Faith and Honor) that I write a romance. She had originally read a fantasy novel of mine. As unfamiliar as I was with the mechanics of writing romance, I jumped at the chance to prove myself. Possessing a love of history, with the Colonial period of American history in particular, I spent somewhat more than a month performing background research and the story grew out of what I learned. When I write contemporary romance, the story comes first, but historical romance always sprouts from my research.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

The birth of America, as starry-eyed as that might seem. I have a definite affinity for that time period. I sometimes joke that if I lived a prior life, I lived it then. I am constantly moved by the efforts of our forefathers, even though those efforts weren’t always or truly altruistic. Even so, a great many men and women suffered for the sake of their beliefs, on both sides, a source of conflict and emotion which comes to play in Faith and Honor, not just between the main characters but as an underlying theme throughout the book.

Who is your biggest supporter?

Hmm. I don’t know who that might be. I have a very emotionally generous support system, and cannot think of one over any other who is most supportive. I must say, though, that my former agent, Denise Marcil, might fit the bill, since her perspective was that of a professional in the industry rather than a family member or friend (who, therefore, might be a little biased).

Your biggest critic?

I don’t really have one. It could be my husband, based merely on the fact that he doesn’t read a single thing I write. In his words, he “doesn’t read, so don’t get insulted”. Enough said.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

I have, though not precisely writing skills. I’ve learned how to use Flash and have made a couple of book videos. Keeping descriptions concise in these videos has helped me with the “blurb”, something that used to trouble me. The ability to create the one-liner without pulling my hair out also used to be too elusive for my sanity, but I think I’m getting better at it.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

Besides breathing the sigh of relief and feeling a momentary depression at saying goodbye to the story and the characters that have consumed me? Um, I do take a break and watch a couple of movies. While writing I don’t spend much time in front of the big screen, or even the television screen. Just the computer monitor. No wonder my eyes are starting to give out.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

Still my kids, my three men. They’re all grown now, but their well-being will always come first and foremost. Don’t let the dear hubby see this, as I don’t think he’d like that answer. However, I think this is probably the way most mothers feel. I hesitate to say all, considering certain events that have made their way to the media, and those that haven’t, but which unfortunately exist in this world.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I am working on three projects, although one takes precedence over the others. I am writing a piece of contemporary women’s fiction, a love story with a legal aspect, based on something that definitely could happen if someone was of a mind to follow through. I won’t say any more, but hopefully you’ll be able to read it some day. The other two projects, which I am squeezing in here and there until such time as this first project is completed, are a paranormal romance involving werewolves set in a small village similar to my own in Pennsylvania (which is the setting for a great many of my contemporary novels) and a screenplay.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

Mary Stewart. I read a great deal of Mary Stewart when I was growing up. Additionally, there is an author by the name of Grace Richardson who lived, I believe, in Canada. I don’t know if she’s still alive, but I hope she is. I wrote to her after reading (for probably the tenth time) her book Apples Every Day when I was in the fifth grade. She wrote back to me, a long, wonderful letter on plain stationery, answering all my questions, including how she came to write the book and even a promise that if she wrote a sequel she would have Gabby, one of the characters, get a horse, just because I’d told her how much I loved horses. I’ll never forget that she took the time to write to me. Now that I’ve talked about this, I’m going to check the Internet to see if she ever did write that sequel. When you’re a child your interests change quickly as you grow, and I went on to voraciously read Mary Stewart after that.

What are some of your long-term goals?

I would like to finish the screenplay. More importantly, I would like to expand my career to a point where I am satisfied I am achieving my potential (which pretty much guarantees I’ll keep right on working, as I don’t know I’ll ever reach that point). And I would also like to write and/or illustrate more children’s books.

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

Just getting here. Knowing that all my hard work stringing words together has managed to create cohesive, entertaining, and moving stories. Or perhaps it has been learning not to let rejection fester in my heart, just circulate through the ol’ gray matter in my head where it does the most good. A supremely difficult lesson.

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

My optimism.

Biggest weakness?

My optimism.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

Apples Every Day. I’m suddenly getting the urge to read it again. Think I’ll go check out the Internet as soon as we’re through with this interview.

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

This is very upsetting to me, but I’m going to be honest. The one day I would think about changing was the day I agreed to let my children go live with their father, my first husband. They were no longer little and had been asking me to do so, and I finally suggested to them it might be time. I really thought they’d come back. I missed out on a lot of what took place in their teenaged years. I missed them. However, if I hadn’t done the missing, then their father would have, and that wouldn’t have been fair either. I really think between us I am the stronger of the two and better able to live with the decision I made. So, would I change that day? Maybe not, for the reason stated above. But the pain of that decision will always be with me.

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what way/s?

My rose-colored glasses are now bi-focals. Not really. I don’t even wear glasses yet, although I suspect I will one day. It’s just my eyeballs that are rose-colored, because despite getting older and, yes, somewhat jaded, I still trust in the essential goodness of people.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

Be kind to others. Even if it doesn’t come back to you, it doesn’t matter. Kindness means so much in this world and really, it takes so little effort to speak patiently, say good-morning to a stranger, hold a door, help a neighbor, hug your kids, kiss your husband instead of losing your cool.

What is your favorite past-time?

My favorite past-time is laughing. A simple pleasure, but oh, so good for the soul! And your body’s health. And the exercise of those aging facial muscles…

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Um, let’s see. I’d like to tell you how happy I am that you asked me to do this interview! Also, I invite readers to my website, to read about upcoming events, books, news, the occasional contest, write to me. (pssst… it’s http://www.robinmaderich.com/) Other than that, I think I’ve talked about myself long enough. Thanks!

WIN PRIZES!!!

FAITH AND HONOR VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR '09 will officially begin on April 1 and end on April 30. You can visit Robin's blog stops at http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in March to find out more about this great book and talented author!As a special promotion for all our authors, Pump Up Your Book Promotion is giving away a FREE virtual book tour to a published author or a $50 Amazon gift certificate to those not published who comments on our authors' blog stops. More prizes will be announced as they become available.