It is my delight and privilege to introduce you to Olivia Newport, one of four
delightful debutantes whose books are officially releasing this May.
reviews on my blog highlighting Olivia, Dani Pettrey, Katie Ganshert and Beth Vogt
along with some spectacular news regarding the….
delightful debutantes whose books are officially releasing this May.
Look for a series of upcoming interviews, character spotlights, giveaways and
reviews on my blog highlighting Olivia, Dani Pettrey, Katie Ganshert and Beth Vogt
along with some spectacular news regarding the….
Please share a little about yourself
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| Wikia.com |
I live in stunning Colorado at the foot of the Rockies with my husband and two twentysomething children who are all welcome distractions from the people stomping through my head into my books. Though we have Illinois roots, we love the beauty and temperate climate of Colorado.
What appeals to you most about writing fiction?
I’ve spent more decades than I’m going to specify devouring fiction. This has conditioned me to see story in every experience or setting I encounter. Writing fiction gives me the chance to process all that in a way that hopefully will connect with readers. In some ways I’ve been training for the release of my first novel for years.
How did you celebrate when news of your contract broke?
That’s a good question! I honestly don’t remember. I hope it was something fun!
Name five things you can’t live without (no need to take this too seriously!)
Avocado, sugar snap peas, the redeeming marvel of small children, a Brazilian hammock, and bacon-wrapped dates
Favourite book ~ Favourite movie ~ Favourite TV show
I don’t usually settle on favorites—there are so many great stories out there. Right now I am enamored of PBS’s Downton Abbey, partly because the world it creates overlaps with the world of The Pursuit of Lucy Banning. Does that count as a TV show and a movie?
Where is the most interesting place you have been?
I once stood on the balcony of a palace in Nepal that dated to the 1600s and stared at the Himalayas. Quite close up, I might add.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A writer. Always. And that’s the truth. I just wasn’t brave enough to try for many, many years, so I pretended I was an editor.
What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?
I will chomp into a fresh red pepper like it’s an apple, and don’t try to stop me.
I love audiobooks! That way I can redeem the time I spend doing necessary but uninteresting (to me) tasks.
The Pursuit of Lucy Banning
What/whom inspired you to write The Pursuit of Lucy Banning?
My friend Stephen Reginald decided to train as a docent in the Glessner House Museum, which is right in his neighborhood in Chicago. He immediately saw the potential for a story setting and challenged me to write, while he supported the effort with onsite research. I was smitten immediately.
Share a little about your main charactersLucy Banning is a young woman whose wealthy family expects her to live a life befitting her status. Lucy has other ideas. While it’s true she does some sneaking around, her heart is always in the right place. Will Edwards, an unlikely architect, is grateful for friendship and opportunity—and the possibility of love. Against the backdrop of the 1893 world’s fair, Lucy and Will find each other.
Describe The Pursuit of Lucy Banning in five adjectives
• layered
• faithful
• incarnational
• compelling
• enriching
A favourite paragraph or scene from The Pursuit of Lucy Banning
I think I’d have to post a spoiler alert to answer that question. I’ll just say that I still find myself sighing with satisfaction late in the book when Lucy takes charge during a crisis and other people finally see what she is capable of accomplishing when she is allowed to put her compassion to work.
What kind of readers do you think will enjoy your story?
Fans of historical fiction will find the story richly faithful to the era. Curious readers will discover a neighborhood brimming with Chicago history.
Connect with Olivia
Author Website & Blog: www.olivianewport.com
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport
Author Twitter: http://twitter.com/OliviaNewport
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/olivianewport
Relz Reviewz ExtrasVisit Olivia’s website and blog
April 28, 2012 at 12:37 am
I just finished reading Olivia's book. No spoilers, I promise. But I will say she painted a vivid storyworld! I was there with Lucy Banning, in her world.
April 28, 2012 at 1:40 am
I just finished it, too! And I fell in love with Lucy Banning! Such fun.
April 28, 2012 at 8:21 pm
What a fun interview! Enjoyed getting to know you even better, Olivia. Nepal—wow! How interesting 🙂
April 28, 2012 at 10:59 pm
The book sounds really interesting, Olivia! And with all the hard work you've put into it, it must be so rich in historic detail. I like the way you've described your heroine 🙂
April 30, 2012 at 7:13 am
Sounds like Lucy is a hit, Olivia!
Thanks for dropping by, girls ~ love your comments, as always 🙂