Tag Archives: interview

Interview with Historical Romance Novel Author Jennifer Deibel

Author Interview, Blog, Uncategorized, Writing, ,

Some books have the potential to make your whole year. Over the summer, as an escape from the oppressive Arizona heat, I headed into a Barnes & Noble to browse the fiction section. When I came across a historical romance novel set in Ireland and written by a local author & autographed, I thought, Oh yes, I need this. To be honest, I rarely impulse buy.

Well, I impulse bought.

A Dance in Donegal

Then I posted a picture of my find on Instagram and about died of fangirldom when Jennifer Deibel, the author, commented on my post.

Spending time with Jen (right) and local author friends Sarah, Erin, and Sara

Fast forward several months, and I’ve been lucky enough to call Jen my friend. I’d love for you to meet her, too, and hear about her NEW Irish romance, The Lady of Galway Manor, which will be releasing in February 2022!

Bought a book before December 31, 2021?
Click here to get your free gift!
…
Head here for 40% off and free shipping

Hi Jen! What was your inspiration for The Lady of Galway Manor?

I love the legend of the Claddagh ring, and the tensions between England and Ireland are always coloring things, even today. And I began to wonder what it might be like if a British woman was apprenticed to an Irishman in the jewelry shop. And the story idea grew from there.

As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family during the war for Irish independence, she begins to see that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner’s fire.

Which character was the most fun to write?

I really love all of them, but I think Seamus—the hero’s father—was my favorite to write. He’s quirky and funny, loves his tea, and is wise beyond his station.

How have you incorporated favorite Irish locations, traditions, or experiences into the book?

Oh yes!! We lived in the Galway area for four years, so I tried to work in some of my favorite places. Some, like the Claddagh area of the city, are the same. Others, like the fish and chip shop, have been changed a little to protect the innocent 😉 and allow me a little more creative license. The jewelry shop itself was also a huge inspiration and still exists and is in business today. But, I changed the name and location in town slightly, again, so I could have a little more creative freedom within the story.

Thanks for stopping by to meet one of my favorite people! I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into her writing process and hearing a bit about her own experiences living in Ireland.

If this sounds like a book you’d love to read or gift, you’re in luck! At the time of writing, Baker Book House is offering 30% off The Lady of Galway Manor and 40% off A Dance in Donegal as well as free shipping.

P.S. – If you haven’t heard, Jen and I and a few of our friends are doing a giveaway for book lovers, including a historical romance novel, YA fantasy, middle grade fiction, contemporary romance and bookish goodies! It ends December 4, 2021, so be sure to enter ASAP 🙂

Click here to throw your name in the hat.

This post contains affiliate links to support the cost of my blog. I only recommend books I have read and love!

Guest on a Podcast!

Blog, ,

I’ve been busy… mostly writing, but also working a couple of part-time jobs, being Mommy, and trying to get some DIY projects done around the house. There is currently an old front door sitting on my porch, halfway to becoming a new headboard for our bed.

One recent exciting event was getting interviewed on the World Footprints podcast! This is a travel-themed podcast that features people from travel writers like myself to celebrities like Maya Angelou.

During my interview, we talked about my time in Sint Maarten, as well as the challenges and victories of moving overseas.  You can listen to the interview here, on the iHeart Radio app, or most other podcast platforms.

I ALMOST got an interview on NPR last year, but I didn’t see their invitation email until it was too late! So I was pretty excited to get a second chance at being on a show.

I also write for World Footprints– check out my articles here!

Until next time 😊

A Year Ago at Disney

American University of the Caribbean, AUC, Expats, Expats and TCKs, International Travel, Spouses Organization, Uncategorized, United States, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

iPhone 2196

It’s hard to believe that we only have a year left on this island. Equally hard to believe is that a year ago, we were at Disney land! Looking back to our trip to Disney puts time in perspective for me. Sometimes if feels like our time on Sint Maarten is an eternal summer that can never end, but our time here is not so very long after all. I don’t know if that makes me happy or sad. I do look forward to a new season and actually being able to have a job, but I don’t want to leave the friends and the life I’ve made here. Time just keeps ticking on.

iPhone 2271

The reason we went to California was because of Ben’s interview for American University of the Caribbean. We drove six hours to LA (and then another three through LA for the last twenty miles to the interview location) from Phoenix for the interview and a getaway weekend. At first, we weren’t sure if Disney tickets were a wise financial decision, since our med school location was still up in the air at that point. But my parents decided that we needed to go– especially since Ben had never been to a Disney park. So they gave us tickets!

iPhone 2276

Of course, we had an awesome time at Disney Land. It had been a decade since I’d been, so we discovered it together. I had the layout of Minnie Mouse’s house memorized, but I didn’t even remember that Frontierland exists! The fireworks were rained out, but we were able to see something better– the Abe Lincoln show. Seriously, that’s the best part of Disneyland. After Rapunzel, of course.

iPhone 2264
Awesome cup of coffee at Nam– champion latte designers!

Ben nailed his interview. A few weeks later, we knew where we were going to go for med school: some faraway island called Sint Maarten where people stood on the beach and let airplanes fly a few hundred feet above their heads.

We started planning. We had no idea what life would look like. No idea what our home would be, who our community would be, what we’d do in our free time. Everything was behind the next door, and we couldn’t wait to step through it.

We’re kind of in the same boat now. In a year, we’ll leave again. We don’t know what life will look like or where we’ll be headed.

A year ago, we were at Disney. A year from now, we’ll be getting ready to move again. Life changes fast. I don’t want to miss the moment I’m in now. Sometimes, I just wish away time so I can get to the next new and exciting thing. But I know I need to hold on to each precious season and moment. There are so many years of change and adventure ahead, but I’ll never get this day back! So I’ll make the most of it.

IMG_5448