5 Easy Questions with Rosslyn Elliott

Every Wednesday, I ask a writer the same five easy questions. In an effort to support and promote fellow wordsmiths, I feature authors who write a variety of genres, from sweet inspirational to mainstream thrillers. The writers themselves may be aspiring, published, or best-selling--all have made an impact on my life.

Thank you for joining me in welcoming…Rosslyn Elliott!!

I met Rosslyn through mutual blogging friends, and two things struck me—this lady is super smart, and she’s also very down to earth. Rosslyn has a generous spirit, and I’m thrilled to spread the news about her second book in the Saddler’s Legacy series, Sweeter than Birdsong, out now! Her covers are gorgeous. Be sure to head to her beautiful website to check out all of her books!

Let’s get to it!

1. Beverage of choice?

KAWFEE. The morning lifeline! I’m trying to switch to half-caff so I can have two cups instead of one. But two cups of full-caff will make me a scary, edgy Muppet-like creature.

2. Any pets?

Two dogs, the heavenly hound and the “other dog.” Ha! Our dog Snow is absolutely perfectly mannered. Frosty is, well, not, but we love him and squeeze him anyway.

3. Dream vacation?

Tonight I am really in the mood for a long restful vacation. So I would like to go for a week or two to a quiet retreat in the mountains, near a clear stream with a rocky bed for wading, just our small family and the dogs. I’d like to read by the fire in a nice recliner and have all meals appear on our table, prepared and served by invisible sprites, all with candlelight, china, and crystal. Everything would be whisked away and washed somewhere out of sight and mind by our fairy friends. This isn’t my dream vacation at all times—just now, when I want to rest and read.

4. What are you listening to right now?

My daughter’s sweet little snoring noises.

5. What's for dinner?

Leftover chicken casserole. Bring on the fairy cooks!

***

Rosslyn, two cups of caffeinated coffee turn you into scary, edgy creature? This I have to see! I, unfortunately, seem to be immune to the effects because I just keep guzzling it. Or maybe I do turn into a freak show but I don’t realize it since I’m alone? I’m sensing a hidden camera moment. By the way, I love the winter theme with your pets. Snow and Frosty! Cute!

Your current dream vacay sounds so, so marvelous. I love the mountains, and hiking, and reading by the fire, and magical fairies who cook and clean. Guess who’s coming along?! I won’t even wake your sweet baby girl. Promise! Thanks so much for being my guest today!

***

As the child of a career military man, Rosslyn Elliott lived in four states and two foreign countries before she graduated from high school. She attended Yale University, where she earned her BA in English and Theater Studies. After five years working first in corporate New York City, then as a schoolteacher, she entered the Ph.D. program at Emory University and finished her dissertation in 2006.

Her study of American literature spurred her to pursue her lifelong dream of writing fiction. She has won awards for both her fiction and non-fiction writing, including the 2011 Laurel Award for Fairer than Morning, which was also selected as one of Lifeway’s Ten Favorite Fiction Reads for 2011.

Rosslyn lives with her husband and daughter in the southern United States, where they enjoy working with horses and pampering their dogs. Her fiction is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books and Such Literary Agency. To learn more about Rosslyn’s books, head to her website, be friends with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Music offers Kate sweet refuge from her troubles…but real freedom is sweeter.

In Westerville, Ohio, 1855, Kate Winter's dreams are almost within reach. As the first woman to graduate from Otterbein College, she'll be guaranteed her deepest wish: escape from the dark secret haunting her family. But with her mother determined to marry her off to a wealthy man, Kate must face reality. She has to run. Now. And she has the perfect plan. Join the upcoming musical performance—and use it to mask her flight. 

Ben Hanby, Otterbein College's musical genius, sees Kate Winter as an enigmatic creature, notable for her beauty, yet painfully shy. Then he hears her sing, and the glory of her voice moves him as never before. He determines to cast her in his musical and uncover the mystery that is Kate. Still, he must keep his own secret to himself. Not even this intriguing woman can know that his passionate faith is driving him to aid fugitives on the Underground Railroad.

A terrifying accident brings Kate and Ben together, but threatens to shatter both their secrets and their dreams. Kate can no longer deny the need to find her courage-and her voice—if she is to sing a new song for their future.

***

I’ve completely let my exercise and health routine slide. Who is willing to kick me in the buns today?

Tough love, people. Tough love! (No chocolate. Okay, maybe a little chocolate? That isn’t tough? Grr…)

I’ll be in and out this week because I'm teaching a fiction workshop to local 7^th and 8^th graders. You wouldn’t believe their imaginations. So fun!

Have an amazing Wednesday!

Tweet

Share