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Albert Camus

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Guest Post and Giveaway: Plantation Nation by Mercedes King

Published: May 27th, 2014

Description:

Sixteen year old Emma Cartwright runs away from her family’s South Carolina rice plantation after a slave is beaten to death. Determined to join the fight against slavery, Emma enlists in the Union Army disguised as a young man. Nothing could prepare her for the sacrifices needed—and for falling in love for the first time.

GUEST POST
A Peek Inside My Office

I know. You’re scared already. Do you really want a peek inside the office of one of those crazy writer-types? Don’t worry, it’s not that bad. And as of this writing, I’m not in any danger of being labeled bland or in the running for an episode of “Hoarders”.

In many ways the office area of a writer is like a work of art. Chances are, the author has accumulated treasures and tokens that adorn his / her desk that have taken years to collect, and most items probably have a story behind them. Considering the time writers spend at their desk, their space also needs to be inspiring. 

So what’s in my office and how does it inspire me?

I’ve found that a lava lamp is essential. It’s not just groovy, baby, but the constant swirl and motion of the wax (is that what that stuff is?) helps your mind move and flow….Sound too Puff the Magic Dragon-ish? Okay, then. I like it because it’s warm, colorful and ever-changing. A bit like the ocean, which can take the imagination anywhere. I love that!

The most romantic element in my office is a poster-sized print of Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, “The Kiss.” I never get tired of seeing it. When was the last time a man’s kiss on the cheek was so loving and passionate that it drove a woman to her knees? I think that’s the kind of love we all want to know.

Always perched on my desk is Ernie the Elephant. About four inches tall, hand-painted glass and the perfect shade of spring green, Ernie was a gift I bought myself during a writing retreat. Of course, that saying that elephants are good luck didn’t escape my attention. And if you’re wondering, yes, his trunk is raised. 

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” One of my favorite sayings, it’s on a printed block and sits near Ernie. For me, those words are fuel for my writing. Anything can happen, and often does. 

A writer’s desk mimics life. You surround yourself with objects that speak to you, inspire you, and cheer you on, much like great friends and loved ones. When you’re in the zone or agonizing through writer’s block, those random items around you can lift your spirits or help you maneuver around rough spots in your manuscripts. Just what a writer needs.

EXCERPT

Emma could no longer raise her head or open her eyes. She tasted her own blood and withered under the sun’s brilliance. Her back and legs throbbed from the lashes with the leather belt. The scent of honeysuckle drifted to her nostrils, but Emma quivered with agony and trepidation. She fought the oblivion that threatened to engulf her¾fearing it was death.

Her heart searched for a prayer or a plea but nothing came. She wanted to cry out for her father, forgetting he was long dead.

Someone snatched a fistful of Emma’s hair and held up her head.

“Look!” Quinn said through gritted teeth. “Look at what you’ve done.” He touched his mouth to her ear. “Ain’t like he didn’t deserve it, though. Worthless wretch.”

Emma tried again to focus on the scene. At first, through the narrow slits of her swollen eyes, all she saw was a row of brown feet, naked and caked with mud past the ankles, a sure sign that rice planting was underway. She couldn’t find or concentrate on their faces now, but she knew that among the clan of thirteen laborers, Basil’s mother and brother were there watching. Fear reverberated from the mass. Children cried and stirred, but no one moved or averted their eyes. George had insisted.

About the author:
Mercedes King is an Ohio native and founding member of Sisters in Crime Columbus, Ohio (affectionately dubbed SiCCO). With a degree in Criminology from Capital University and a passion for writing, she crafted O! Jackie, a novel focusing on the private life of Jackie Kennedy. She has also written The Kennedy Chronicles, a series of short stories featuring JFK and Jackie before they were married and before 'Camelot'. Mercedes writes in a variety of genres, including historical and mystery / suspense. In fact, she's working on creating a new genre, 'modern historical'.

Her newest release, Plantation Nation, follows the journey of Emma Cartwright, a 16 year old Southern girl who disguises herself as a young man and joins the Union Army.

Visit her sites, OJackiebook.com or Mercedesking.com . Contact her at Mercedes 'at' ojackiebook 'dot' com. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


17 comments:

Enchanting Reviews said...

One of the reasons I like this book is because it is so very different. As a reader I'm always looking for something new and this does that for me.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Amy! I agree, a story with great twists and interesting characters is a worthwhile read.

Thanks to Mythical Books for letting me stop by on the Plantation Nation blog tour. I LOVE this book and hope readers enjoy it too!

Unknown said...

I love this kind of historical fiction, and I think this one seems like a very powerful one! Reminds me a bit of Mulan (because it's a girl enrolling in the army pretending to be a boy)and I love that!

nrobak said...

I love historical books

Unknown said...

i love it. its great and it kind of has a twist to it. its so different. amazing talent. i wish i could write books like this

Unknown said...

i love it. its great and it kind of has a twist to it. its so different. amazing talent. i wish i could write books like this

Natalie said...

I am interested in reading this book because I usually do not read historical fiction!

Unknown said...

I love the concept, and the cover i really like to just grabs at me, thank you for your giveaway

nurmawati djuhawan said...

i like the summary..thx u for the chance :)

Spg Chlomo said...

I love historical books and the blurb is interesting :)

toni said...

i love to read books with young girls/ women taking a stand for/against a cause

Unknown said...

Omg, I luv this book, great concept. Fab. splendid. 2 fingers snap. . Thanks for the awesomeness, the contest, & generosity. Dear Santa: I have been nice. My X-Mas wish this year is to win this contest.

Unknown said...

I love it when a heroine disguises as a man!! This sounds great!

Unknown said...

a woman masquerading as a man in the army!? that's exactly my cup of tea.

Anonymous said...

I love historical books & I love the concept.

Suus said...

I would love to read this book, it sounds really interesting!

Judy Thomas said...

After reading the excerpt I really want to read this because I want to know why and what happens next? does she get through the bad and find something good on the other side? I am going to have to read it now!