The Inside Scoop!
Lawana Blackwell
and her Victorian novel
A Haven on Orchard Lane
Bethany House
*******
I grew up in…Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
I was inspired to write my first published novel by…my mother.
The books that have most influenced my life are…biographies, actually!
My biggest challenge when writing is…staying focused.
One of my favourite authors is…Rosamunde Pilcher.
If I wasnโt a writer, I would be…a geologist. I fell in love with rocks on a family vacation to Tennessee in 7th grade. South Lousiana has none beyond the size of gravel.
The superhero talent I would love to have is…to fly. As tempting as it is to ask for speed for getting everything done, I’d love to soar over rooftops.
In difficult circumstances, Charlotte Ward, once a famed stage actress, tries to restart her career–only to experience disaster. Against her better judgment, her estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother’s rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village.
Charlotte is grateful to get to know Rosalind after years apart. As one who has regrets about her own romantic past, it’s a joy for Charlotte to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it’s time away from teaching–and now she must care for the mother who wasn’t there for her. And what could be more complicated than romance?
Together, mother and daughter discover that healing is best accomplished when they focus less on themselves and more on the needs of others.
My latest novel can be described by these 5 adjectives…Victorian, British, multi-plotted, humorous, reflective.
My main character is…Charlotte Ward, age 50, former London stage actress. Plump, thrice-married, regretful, hopeful, and compassionate.
My main characters resemble….Charlotte represents all older women who wish for do-overs. Her daughter, Rosamund, age 27, represents younger women who stuggle to reconcile the past with the present, and find themselves surprised by life’s gifts.
A previously unknown fact about this novel is…the setting, fictitious Port Stilwell, is loosely based upon the seaside town of Beer, Devon.
My storyโs spiritual theme is…forgiveness.
While writing this novel I learned…how to portray two mistreated boys without wallowing in misery every scene.
The title was chosen by…my editors at Bethany House. They always chose my titles after asking for my suggestions. Choosing titles is not my gift, and I’m grateful that they’re good at it.
As an author, the hardest scenes for me to write are…romantic scenes. I don’t know why, but I would rather make you smile than swoon. Which is why some of my romantic scenes are humorous.
The story Iโm currently working on is…another Victorian.
You may not know this about me, but I…worked hard to overcome shyness.
If I could be a character in any novel, I would want to be…Flannery Curry in Patricia Hickman’s Tiny Dancer.
Thanks Lawana!
Relz Reviewz Extras
Buy at Amazon: A Haven on Orchard Lane or Koorong
June 7, 2016 at 2:35 pm
I like a mixture of both! The humor and romance ๐ Your a new author to me; thus book sounds great! ๐
June 24, 2016 at 6:39 am
Thanks so much, Lisa. I hope you enjoy it!
June 7, 2016 at 2:59 pm
Hey Lawana,
I am so excited to dive into another one of your books and equally excited to hear you are working on another one! Blessings to you.
June 24, 2016 at 6:44 am
Why, hello Aaron! How long has it been? Since CBA convention in New Orleans, I think? Thank you for your encouragement. I see that you’ve been quite busy with stories yourself! Great to hear from you!
June 7, 2016 at 11:47 pm
So glad to have a new Lawana Blackwell book! It depends on my mood! Sometimes I prefer the humor other times I just want to swoon and say ah sweet! But humor is always a winner in my book!
June 24, 2016 at 6:44 am
Nancy, you’re a dear. Thank you!
June 8, 2016 at 12:27 am
I actually find both humor and romance difficult to write because I worry that it will be cheesy. I am so excited that Lawana has a new book out. I have her other series on my keeper shelves. Thanks for the interview and the giveaway!!
June 24, 2016 at 6:47 am
The key to writing humor that’s non-cheesy is restraint, Loraine. Aim for a smile, not a laugh. Read PG Wodehouse for fine examples of dry humor. But romance…I’m glad I’m not the only one who has trouble with it! Thanks for my place on your keeper shelves!
June 8, 2016 at 1:08 am
I usually prefer a humorous book over a romance, but not always. A book with a mix of both sometimes catches my eye.
June 24, 2016 at 6:48 am
Mine too, Virginia! Especially when you combine courtship with awkwardness — lots of humor fodder there.
June 8, 2016 at 3:45 am
depends on my mood, but right now I’d say humorous ๐
June 24, 2016 at 6:49 am
Cute photo, Becca!
June 8, 2016 at 6:07 am
I really enjoy humor in a story but I don’t consider myself someone who can make others laugh so I would probably have better luck writing romance!
June 24, 2016 at 6:51 am
You’re probably more witty than you think, Connie, if you enjoy reading humor.
June 8, 2016 at 7:08 am
I love both, a humorous romance and I’m hooked!
June 24, 2016 at 6:52 am
Me too, Rebecca!
June 8, 2016 at 7:42 am
I would rather write something more humorous. Romance isn’t what it’s cracked up to be and seeing the bright side of life does wonders for the soul.
June 24, 2016 at 6:53 am
Janet, you’re so right. Seeing the bright side does wonders for the health too!
June 8, 2016 at 8:54 am
I love a book that can make me chuckle, or bring a smile to my face, but also love a good romance=)
June 24, 2016 at 6:55 am
Another cute photo!
June 8, 2016 at 10:06 am
For me, it would be equally difficult to write something humorous and romantic. I love to read both, however. Lawana’s book sounds like one I’d like to read. The cover is lovely.
June 24, 2016 at 6:56 am
I wish I could claim credit for the cover, Pam. But thank you; it’s my favorite ever.
June 8, 2016 at 11:11 am
This isn’t a choice, but I’d write something historical if I were an author. Add in a splash of humor and romance and it’d be even stronger. ๐
June 24, 2016 at 10:28 am
Good plan, Staci. Those splashes of humor and romance always make for fun reading.
June 8, 2016 at 4:42 pm
Since my favorite sub-genre is romantic comedy, I would have to include both in my writing. I’d like to say it would be heavy on humor and wit, but I think I’m more funny than others think I am. ๐
June 24, 2016 at 10:32 am
Terrill, keep your sense of humor, even if sometimes you’re the only one laughing!
June 8, 2016 at 9:29 pm
I don’t know if I can be humorous, so romantic it is.
June 24, 2016 at 10:34 am
Don’t try to force humor, Annie, and you may be surprised. Notice different quirks people have as you go through your day. Above all, laugh at yourself!
June 8, 2016 at 11:04 pm
I think I’d rather write something humorous…I think I would feel awkward writing something romantic.
June 24, 2016 at 10:35 am
A kindred spirit you are, Adrienne! I feel awkward with every sentence, every word, of a romantic scene.
June 8, 2016 at 11:52 pm
If I could write, I would like to write a humorous romance.
I’ll leave that to the professionals though.
I love Lawana’s books and look forward to reading this one!
June 24, 2016 at 10:36 am
Andrea, you are too kind. Thank you!
June 9, 2016 at 1:22 am
Humor is always great in a book!
June 24, 2016 at 10:38 am
Absolutely agree, Amanda. Wouldn’t we have done better in school if our textbooks had included some subject-related jokes here and there?
June 9, 2016 at 1:45 am
I’d rather write something humorous.
June 24, 2016 at 10:38 am
Me too, Joanna. Any day!
June 9, 2016 at 2:33 am
I have patrons in our church library that would love to read this. It would be fun for anyone to read.
June 24, 2016 at 10:38 am
Thank you so much, Carol!
June 9, 2016 at 3:23 am
I’m not much of a writer, but I love reading humorous books with some romance thrown in.
June 24, 2016 at 10:40 am
I’m sure you write better than you think, Sarah! We all start at the bottom and work our way up.
June 9, 2016 at 5:36 am
I LOVE her books–and so need to get this one! =D Love this inside scoop!
June 24, 2016 at 10:41 am
Why, thank you Meghan! I’m so glad you enjoy my books.
June 9, 2016 at 5:41 am
I’ve loved her previous books and am excited for this one! I would rather write something romantic, but I also like humor. Thanks for the giveaway!
June 9, 2016 at 6:25 am
It changes but right now I’m all for humor. =D
June 24, 2016 at 10:41 am
Me too, Jennifer!
June 9, 2016 at 10:33 am
Humorous, for sure!
June 24, 2016 at 10:42 am
I hope so, Suz!
June 9, 2016 at 11:15 am
I love The Widow of Larkspur books. This one, I’m sure, is just as good.
June 24, 2016 at 10:45 am
Thank you so much, Terri. I believe you’ll enjoy A Haven just as much. I know it’s expected for an author to praise her own work, but I never have. I suppose by the time I finish writing one, I’m ready to move on. But this one is easily my favorite.
June 9, 2016 at 11:27 am
Always romantic!
June 24, 2016 at 10:46 am
Well, we still need romantics like you out there, Phyllis!
August 10, 2016 at 4:25 am
Lawana Blackwell is my new favorite author. I have read several of her books (The Gresham Chronicles) and I am currently in the midst of this newest one right now. I love how the characters are fleshed-out, how they can make me laugh, gasp and sometimes even cringe. But my very favorite thing about her writing is that the characters seek God’s face. They strive to be the kind of child of God that God’s Word directs us to be. I love that. As one who seeks to hear God’s voice and direction, it is wonderful to find such characters in her books as well.