Stephanie, welcome to Romantic Reflections. Please, tell us about your book.
An action-packed suspense in the exotic Orient.
No one is who they seem…
A classic tale of good versus evil: spies, smugglers and betrayal
The Smuggler
Black Jade is many things… Hiding behind a prominent name by day and a Chinese mask by night, he can be anyone, just not the man he wants to be. Trapped in an ever tightening web of deceit, and pursued relentlessly by the White Dragon (Major Montero) he must choose which man he wants to be. When a way out is offered from a surprising source, will he choose power or let it go?
The Spy
A Spanish officer, a black market dealer, a shipping executive…
Intelligence officer Philip Montero is skilled at wearing masks to defeat the enemy, but this time he must face the enemy within. When his body betrays him with night terrors, he must unlock the past in order to survive, but time is running out and Black Jade has targeted the woman of his heart.
Betrayed by his family, his fiancé, and his fears, WHO can teach him how to trust again?
The Senorita
Shipping heiress turned missionary nurse, Francesca McRae is a target everywhere she turns. Desired as an heiress by power-hungry men and hated by the Chinese Boxers for her interference in the culture… she is surrounded by betrayal and hatred. None of her suitors are who they seem, yet one has stolen her heart. When loving others becomes more than she can handle, WHO can she trust?
Where do you turn when life is too much to handle?
There is a God… Who is waiting to be your answer…
What has been your most challenging experience writing a book?
Computer hard drive crashes. The first time I lost 2/3 of my book and had only a paper copy that had to be typed back in. The next time it happened I had backups, but it can make you want to quit. Never give up! Breaking into the market has been a challenge too. I finally went through the self-publishing arm of Thomas Nelson (Westbow Press) I have been very happy about it. Again. Never give up!
What was your inspiration behind “Shades of the Orient”?
Long story short… I found a really amazing quote among some correspondence between American officers involved in the Boxer Rebellion in China in 1900. The quote stated that if any tale had all the elements of a good story filled with betrayal, power, greed, etc it would be the tale of the Boxer Rebellion. I took the bait, did the research, and the rest is history.
I will add this note however… The entire tale of the Boxer Rebellion is tragic and horrific. Somewhere between 10,000-11,000 Chinese Christians were violently murdered just because they followed the “foreigner’s God”. Many other foreigners were killed just for being foreign. I chose to use the two years leading up to and during the Rebellion as a backdrop to a tale of smuggling, betrayal and romance. I did not want to take away from the tragedy of the real people who suffered and died.
What is your favorite thing to write about, (i.e., forgiveness, rebellion, etc)?
I love to write about going beyond forgiveness to actively love those who hurt or betray us or those we love. What a challenge the Father has given us… one we can only do in His strength, but oh the grace received when we do. James 2:13
What was your favorite part to write?
There are a couple of surprise twists in the story that were a lot of fun to write. Since the story is an espionage there are quite a few “masks” that need to be pulled back. I had the most fun deciding how to “unmask” certain people.
My heart is also in the “romance” of the book. It was important to me to portray the fun and beauty of doing things God’s way contrasted with the devastation of following our own way.
What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
One of the many names of God is El-Rohe “God sees”. I want my readers to know that no matter where you are or what has happened to you… God sees you…really sees you. He knows your hurts and pain, and He will wrap you in His arms and help you turn and show that same love to others. When you get tired of doing right… don’t give up. When you are betrayed and hurt, RUN TO HIS ARMS… NOT AWAY.
Why did you choose to use WestBow Press? Are there any advantages or disadvantages you’ve encountered with self-publishing so far?
I never thought I would consider self-publishing until I discovered Westbow Press. Westbow is a division of Thomas Nelson Bible Publishers, one of the major Christian publishing houses. Thomas Nelson was receiving so many good manuscripts from new authors that they were unable to publish them all. They decided to bring Westbow as an arm in order to give these authors a shot while still monitoring the integrity and tracking the numbers. If a Westbow author is extremely successful, there is the possibility that Thomas Nelson will bring that author under its wing.
There are many advantages, these are just a few:
1.The books are printed on demand, so it makes self-publishing much more affordable.
2. I am now a professional, published author and that opens doors.
3. I owe all the rights to my own book. (Not so with a publishing house)
4. I had a wonderful creative team working with me.
5. I got to price the ebook (Right now it’s just $.99)
1.The books are printed on demand, so it makes self-publishing much more affordable.
2. I am now a professional, published author and that opens doors.
3. I owe all the rights to my own book. (Not so with a publishing house)
4. I had a wonderful creative team working with me.
5. I got to price the ebook (Right now it’s just $.99)
There are a few drawbacks:
1. There is no editor provided.
(I had two hard drives crash and there are newly typed pieces that did not get as much editing as I would have liked)
2. All promotion falls to the author, though advice is given.
3. I did not get to price the hard and soft covers. Books on demand are generally a little higher.
Where is Shades of the Orient available?
Shades of the Orient is available at www.Westbow Press.com, www.Amazon.com, and www.BarnesandNoble.com
The ebook is just $.99 right now!
What is your favorite color?
Absolutely purple!!! Rich royal purple would be my favorite, but even lavender or periwinkle will do. Red is a close second. I really just love color in general. (The walls of my home are rarely white!)
What do you like to do besides write?
I love to be outside and hike, garden or rock climb. Cooking is also a fun thing for me!
What is your favorite type of cookie?
Cookies in general are my favorite weakness! My newest favorite is peanut butter chocolate chip. Check out this recipe: WOW!
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
(chocolate chips if desired)
Mix, drop onto cookie sheet, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
(chocolate chips if desired)
Mix, drop onto cookie sheet, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes.
What project are you currently working on?
I currently just finished Shades of the Orient, a historical romantic suspense, and now I am starting the sequel. It’s coming together in my head, and I can’t wait to get it on paper!
Thank you, Stephanie, for visiting today.
Mildred Colvin
