by A.E. Albert
@aealberrt23
Moving into a 1770 Connecticut farmhouse ignited my interest in the colonial era. Behind the walls of our house, surprises and secrets waited to be exposed, and this became the spark for my novel, Acquiescence. While researching my novel, I became obsessed (in a good way) with colonial women. I wanted to find out what life was really like for them - the stuff we've always been curious about. How did they deal with menstruation at a time when women didn't wear underwear? How about sex and birth control, childbirth, sickness and medicine? I put together an entertainingly- informative presentation called Colonial Goodwife: The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife (www.colonialgoodwife.com) to help promote my novel, as well as to let today’s women see that although we have a long way to go, it’s amazing how far we've come.
Is there a message in your book and/or books?
The message in Acquiescence is that even though a person may have no desire to re-live a challenging or difficult time in their life, the obstacle can play a role in shaping who you become. If you allow adversity to become an opportunity for growth, you may become a different person.
Is there anything in your book and/or books based on real life experiences?
My Acquiescence protagonist Pamina Campbell, and I have a lot in common. Both of us are teachers and hoodwinked Brazilian dairy farm owners, and both share a 1770 Connecticut farmhouse with a spirit woman.
What are you working on right now?
I have a hands-on science children’s fiction series under contract. As a hands-on science teacher, (www.howcoolisthat.name) I know that the new importance placed on standardized testing doesn't leave enough time in a school day for hands-on activities. I offer inquiry-based, hands-on/minds-on science activities like Dissecting Owl Pellets, Making Chicken Mummies, Grossology, Shampoo Analysis Lab and Helmet/Melon Drops. Not every child can participate in one of my classes, but soon they will be able to take part through my book/science kits with the summer 2015 launch of One Lucky Mealworm! and Whooo Eats What?
I'm also cooking up a follow-up to Pamina’s story titled Woman on the Rock.
What have you learned and do you have any advice for other authors?
The best advice I would give an aspiring author is a quote by literary agent, Dan Lazar: “The best rule of thumb is always to start the story where the story starts.” This was one of the stumbling blocks in my first drafts. Where does the story start? Until you, the author, have that straight in your mind, the story’s flow won’t be right. Also, although it’s difficult, being able to summarize your book in one sentence clarifies its goal.
Do you have a favorite snack food or favorite beverage that you enjoy while you write?
While I don't have any particular type of snack or drink at my side as I write, I did have a food-incentive-as-reward for when I received my first Offer of Representation. Although I don't eat them (because years ago I gave up corn syrup and wheat), I’m crazy about Vienna Fingers cookies. A year ago, when I started sending out query letters, I decided to buy a package of Vienna Fingers and keep them on top of an exposed hand-hewn beam in our kitchen. I promised myself that on the day I got my offer, I would welcome “corn syrup coma” and gobble down the entire twenty-four pack, along with a cold glass of raw milk. The enticing red and yellow package stared down at me every time I walked under the beam. With every rejection letter, the rounded-end finger-shaped cookies taunted me. I could almost hear them sneer, “Ha! Ha! We're safe up here. You’re never gonna eat us!” And then, came my Offer of Representation from Second Wind Publishing. As I triumphantly dunked each crème-filled vanilla cookie, every “unfortunately, this
manuscript does not fit our needs at this time” rejection drowned in the glass of milk.
Title: Acquiescence
Genre: Mainstream Fiction
When one woman calls to another across three centuries, a grieving family finds the strength to overcome adversity.
Velya is the creator/owner of How Cool Is That?!” (Hands-On Science) (www.howcoolisthat.name), as well as the East Coast Facilitator for Earth Adventure’s Earth Balloon. She teaches throughout NY/NJ/CT/MA. Her entertainingly informative presentation, The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife is a result of the research completed for this novel.
Acquiescence is available from Second Wind Publishing: http://www.secondwindpublishing.com/#!product/prd15/3391685311/acquiescence
Links:
Website:
www.acquiescencethebook.com
Website:
Website:
www.colonialgoodwife.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vjanczurban
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Acquiescence-and-Colonial-Goodwife/1554841878108700?ref=hl
Twitter:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vjanczurban
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Acquiescence-and-Colonial-Goodwife/1554841878108700?ref=hl
Twitter:
Literary agents are definitely offering some great advice. Barry Goldblatt for instance says that writers should write because they can't not write, and that they should always expect very little and hang on to a solid day-job. I always thought that was solid wisdom :) Great interview... Have a great weekend!
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