A native of west Tennessee, Dorothy Love makes her home in the Texas hill country with her husband and their golden retriever. An award-winning author of numerous young adult novels, Dorothy made her adult debut with the Hickory Ridge novels. For more, visit www.dorothylovebooks.com
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Savanna: Welcome to The Engrafted Word, Dorothy. I’m so happy to have you here! And congratulations on your newest releases. It looks like you’ve had a busy year so far! 😉
What was your favorite part about writing A Heart So True in the novella collection Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories?
Dorothy: I love writing about 19th century women. They lived with many constraints that made it difficult to make a meaningful life and yet so many of them managed to overcome those constraints. Today it seems impossible that women were once prohibited from making legal contracts or owning property or even keeping any money they might earn on their own. And of course there was no female suffrage until the 20th century. Women were under the complete control of men—their fathers, husbands, brother or uncles. I loved writing about Abby in A Heart So True because she’s a woman who knows what she wants even though it’s in opposition to her father and her mother. She had a tough choice to make.
Savanna: I just finished it and really enjoyed it! (Review coming soon!) 😉 Can you name a particular place you’ve traveled to that really inspired you with fresh stories?
Dorothy: I’ve spent a lot of time in the South Carolina Lowcountry. It’s one of the most beautiful and tortured places on earth. I set Carolina Gold, my 2013 novel chiefly on Pawleys Island where many 19th century rice planters had their summer cottages. When I was offered the chance to write a 19th century Southern love story there was no other possible setting than Pawleys.
Savanna: Which character from A Respectable Actress are you most excited to introduce to your readers and why?
Dorothy: I’m eager to introduce my protagonist, India Hartley. She is inspired by Fanny Kemble, a real life actress who came to the US in the 1840’s and married Pierce Butler, the owner of the largest plantation on St Simons Island, Georgia, where much of the novel takes place. I hope readers will enjoy the murder mystery in this story as well as learning about life in the 19th century theater and of course I hope they enjoy the love that blooms between India and Philip Sinclair, the handsome lawyer hired to defend her.
Savanna: What is your favorite cover to date?
Dorothy: I’ve been so lucky to get great covers for all my books. It’s hard to choose just one. I got a lot of comments about the cover for last year’s novel, THE BRACELET, and people are excited to see the cover for A RESPECTABLE ACTRESS, too. I love the painterly feel of the ACTRESS cover.
Savanna: I agree! They’re beautiful! Can you share with us a special memory from your very first writing conference?
Dorothy: My first writing conference was the Short Course in Professional Writing at the University of Oklahoma in the mid 1980’s. So many of my writing idols were there that I was star-struck. Jeanette Walls had just published her first book. Sandra Brown, who was then a rising star in the romance genre gave a talk called “The Business of a Beating Heart.” I was still struggling to get my first book contract and I never dreamed that one day, I would be represented by the same literary agent that represents Sandra. Dwight Swain spoke on Techniques of the Selling Writer. I was so in awe of him. I still have his book on my shelf. He passed away in the early 1990’s but his influence on writers lives on. I went to a workshop led by a very well known literary agent and I still remember his looking around the room and trying to discourage aspiring writers. “There are a hundred of you in this room,” he said, “And 99 of you will never publish anything.”
Gee, thanks for the encouragement, right? I had brought a completed manuscript with me and I remember clutching it to my chest and thinking “I will be the one who does publish.” Next year my 20th book will be published. I’ve often wondered if any of the others in the room that day went on to publication.
Savanna: Wow, that’s a huge accomplishment, Dorothy! Thanks for sharing with us today.
Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
Dorothy: I’m working on a new novel for publication next year that is a departure from my usual work. I’m not talking about it just yet, but I’m having a wonderful time writing it. I hope readers will love the story as much as I do.
Savanna: That sounds wonderful! Looking forward to reading it. 🙂 Happy writing!
GIVEAWAY!!
Dorothy has graciously offered to give away one copy of Among the Fair Magnolias to one lucky winner. Enter below and it could be YOU! 😉
Thanks for entering! Contest is open only in the U.S. and ends August 11, 2015. The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!
Right now I am reading Hope Harbor by Irene Hannon.
Hi Laurie! Thanks for joining us. I’ve heard of Hope Harbor. Hope to read it soon myself. 😉
I am reading Jen Turano’s new book. I would love to read this one– Among the Fair Magnolias: Four Southern Love Stories?
Thanks
Becky
Bet it’s a good one, Becky! Have fun reading and good luck in the giveaway!
Thank you so much for getting me acquainted with Dorothy. I too, am from West Tennessee. I live outside of Memphis. So, that makes it more fun for me to read a book by a mid southerner.
That’s awesome, Dana. Tennessee is one of my favorite places to visit. 🙂
Right now I’m reading A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears. I only wish I had more time to read – it’s so good!!
I’ve read the first in that series by Melissa. I’m sure this one is just as good. Happy reading, Kathryn!
I am reading Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett at the moment. Really good book about the San Francisco earthquake in the early 1900s. And also cancer treatment using Xrays.
Beyond the Magnolias just sounds so southern! Love it! We always had a magnolia tree in our front yard in Georgia growing up. I love them. Great title and I know the book will be great, 4 awesome authors.
So glad you could stop by, Nancy! I’ve heard a lot about “Beyond the Ashes”. I’m going to have to add that to my reading list. 😉
Dee Henderson’s book: “Taken”…last week finished “Saving Amelie” By Cathy Gohlke, which was a powerful, powerful read!
Both of those sound sooo good! Thanks for sharing, MS Barb! 😉
I’m currently reading Liz Curtis Higgs’ Thorn in My Heart
I so want to read that one! 😉 Thanks for visiting, Amy!
I have vacationed on Pawley’s Island several times and love the lush, private feel of the island . . . wonderful setting for a novel and you made it happen! Would love to read this newest set of stories.
Rebecca, isn’t it gorgeous? If you haven’t read Carolina Gold, you might enjoy it, as much of it is set on Pawley’s. Thanks for entering my giveaway. Great to chat with you here.
How cool, Rebecca! We’re glad you could join us.
I think it is because of these women that I value certain things today. I can not imagine what they went through. I do have to be careful because I need to reminder who God calls me to be. I find that I am very independent and the type to control things. I have no patience with guys that can not lead and I want to take over. Women are not helpless in God’s eyes. I think about the qualities he has instilled in us that are so much a part of who he is and I am amazed at the prejudices we still face.
I know, Sonnetta, I find it hard to fully imagine what life was like for them back then as well. No matter the era, though, there are challenges for us all and much need for grace. I’m so grateful the Lord walks with us.
Fantastic interview with Dorothy! This is a wonderful collection from some great authors. I am a Southerner and would love to read this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Glad you enjoyed it, Caryl. These are some great authors, indeed! 😉
I live in South Carolina and would love to read some Southern love stories. I am currently between books, but the next books on my list are Dandelions for Dinner by Valerie Comer and a book of interviews of people who came to the US through Ellis Island.
Sounds really interesting, Katy! Thanks for sharing. Happy Reading!
Another authors name add to my must read list.
Thank you so much, Kim! Hope you enjoy this southern flavored collection!
Great, Kim! Enjoy! 😉
Dorothy, It has been fun to get to “know” you online. I love the cover of this book and can’t wait to read it!
And I just finished The Curse of Crow Hollow by Billy Coffey. Talk about a different genre 🙂
Danielle, thanks for taking time to read the interview. It’s always fun for me to meet new readers online. Billy is published at the same house that publishes my books, and yes, they are way different. 🙂
Thanks for joining us, Danielle! Good luck in the giveaway. 😉
I just started reading In Firefly Valley by Amanda Cabot.
Hi Joan! Another book that’s on my list. Love the cover too. 😉
I really enjoyed Carolina Gold by Dorothy, and look forward to this novella collection!
I read a good bit of historical fiction, but right now am reading a contemporary novel by Becky Wade, A Love Like Ours.
Becky Wade’s book is next for me. Can’t wait! Thanks for sharing, Patty!
Hi, Savanna ~ I adore all of Shelley Gray’s (aka: Shelley Shepard Gray) work! She is a versatile author with books I’ve enjoyed in the Amish fiction and historical fiction genres. I hope to read the stories by three authors new to me and a story by one of my favorites, Shelley Gray. Thank you for this interview and for the giveaway. All my best, June
Hi June! I’m so glad to see you here. I’ve read several of Shelley Gray’s also. 🙂 I know you’d enjoy this one too. Good luck in the giveaway!
Thanks for the chance to win
Thanks for stopping by, Kim!
nice covers
Good luck in the drawing, bn100!
All of these books look really great!! I’m excited to hopefully get my hands on a copy of Among the Fair Magnolias!! I’m currently reading A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings 🙂
I loved that story by Regina! 🙂 I hope you get to read this book as well, Morgan!
I was introduced to Dorothy Love’s book awhile ago and I fell in live with all her stories. The one that has captured my reading has been The Bracelet. I can’t wait to read Respectable Actress and Among the Fair Magnolias. Blessings as always Dorothy.
Hi Keren! Thanks for joining us. I have all of Dorothy’s books on my TBR list. 😉
Love Dorothy Love’s books. I am reading Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin right now. Loving it.
Virginia, thank you. It makes my day to know that readers enjoy my books. Wishing you a happy summer.
That’s another one I really want to read, Virginia. I’m glad you could swing by. Good luck in the giveaway.
I haven’t yet read any of Dorothy’s books but I have The Bracelet in my TBR pile from the library. I’m currently reading Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist, then have a book to read for book club. The Bracelet should be next after that. I think all the stories in Among the Fair Magnolias sound very good so I’m looking forward to reading it. It would be wonderful to win a copy! Thanks for the chance.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Pam. Sounds like you’ve got a good reading list going. Have fun!
I believe my wife would love to read these books.
I’m sure she’d enjoy it, Edward! 😉
Eagerly looking forward to this read.
Good luck in the drawing, Suz!
Dorothy it was great to get to know you through this author interview! I too like reading stories about 19th century women, even though there were many more constraints back then. I do like to read about women who have overcome those obstacles as well. And since I’ve already won this book on a different blog (just waiting for the mail to deliver it), I know I will VERY much enjoy your story in “Among the Fair Magnolias”! It’s right up my alley for most favorite time period! Looking forward to it 🙂
Savanna, I’ll be looking for your review on this book set! I always enjoy your take on books since it seems we have similar tastes in our reading! Thanks for having Dorothy on your blog post. Great to get to know authors better & anticipate their books 🙂 Thanks to both of you ladies, was an enjoyable read! Blessings!
So glad you stopped in, Trixi! Another giveaway win? You’re on a roll! 🙂 How fun! Hope you enjoy the book as much as I did! Have a great weekend.
I love these books with the short stories in them, thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of “Among the Fair Magnolias”.
wfnren at aol dot com
Hope you get a chance to read it soon, Wendy. Thanks for joining us!
Hi Savanna, Thank you for the interesting interview with Dorothy.
Dorothy, I love reading your books and I am looking forward to your novella. Among the Fair Magnolias looks great. I also love your book covers. Thank you for giveaway , and sharing about your books.
mcnuttjem0(AT)gmail(dot)com
Hi Jackie! Aren’t her covers beautiful? I’m glad you could stop by. Good luck in the giveaway!
I have so been looking forward to this book coming out! Thanks for the great interview and the chance to win this book!
Me too, Alison! I’m off to write my review right now. 😉 Hope you get to read and enjoy the book soon!
I’m looking forward to reading “Among the Fair Magnolias”. It sounds like a wonderful read. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for joining us, Jennifer! Good luck!
Hi Savanna and Dorothy ~ I especially liked Carolina Gold ~ historical fiction is my very favorite; I have learned so much about history, more in-depth than in school books.
I have three novels I am getting ready to read ~ A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears and Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin, new novels, and an older one ~ Driftwood Tides by Gina Holmes. I don’t read three at once! but ~ like to have them ready at hand so I don’t run out of fabulous novels to take with me, when we are away from home or out on our porch.
I would like to know Abby’s story and hope she marries for love! I would like to win a print copy of Among the Fair Magnolias! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
Hi Kathleen! You’ve got some great books ahead of you. How fun! I know just what you mean… it’s always a good idea to have a new book ready to grab at a moment’s notice. 😉 Thanks for visiting. Have a great week!
I am reading Brightest and Best by olivia newport.
I haven’t heard of that one. I’ll have to look it up. Thanks, Emma! 😉