Here and Now Book 1
The King indeed has never met anyone like her. In fact, no one had, nor would they for another 1250 years. Being ahead of their time doesn’t make Gen ahead of their ways. A twenty-first-century mind in a first-millennium female doesn’t necessarily guarantee happiness, peace, or success so much as it does headaches, misunderstandings, fear, and danger. Of course, stirring intrigue in a curious king’s mind may be of great help; if you are careful. Unfortunately, being careful is not one of Gen’s strong suits.
Q&A
1. Do you always take a book/e-reader wherever you go?
Definitely if I’m traveling, and anytime when I think I might be afforded some downtime. It’s comforting to have a good book close at hand J
2. Say someone asks if they can use your name in a book. Would you rather be the ‘good one’ or the ‘bad one’?
Well, last year I might have approached this question a little differently. Recently, a dear friend used my name in his novel, along with certain characteristics. I have to admit, reading my own name in a fictitious setting gave me quite a jolt. Although definitely unnerving, it now helps me to answer your question. I found myself very relieved and thankful to be portrayed as a “good one”.
3. Where can I find you when you are reading?
When relaxing, one of my favourite spots is snuggled on the couch with a dog and/or kitty cuddled alongside. Another favourite is sitting in the forest during “search & rescue” training, acting as a lost person and waiting for a search dog to find me. It is usually so peaceful there, surrounded by the sounds of gurgling streams and song birds, that I quickly immerse myself in whatever book I happen to be reading. Since I’m on the go so much, you can also find me listening to audio books on the long commutes to and from work.
4. Where can I find you when you are not writing/reading?
When I’m not working for a living, writing, or spending time with family and friends, you can find me training my “search and rescue” dog or deploying him on missions to find lost and missing people.
5. Can you walk past a bookstore without going inside?
Passing without entering is definitely a struggle; I love bookstores and libraries!
6. What are you most proud of?
Humm. This question is a rather difficult one for me. I believe that everyone should be proud of worthy accomplishments, especially if they worked hard to bring them to fruition. I can’t tell you how incredibly excited and thrilled I am to have had my first novel published. But after some introspection, I have to say that I am most proud of my search and rescue dogs. I’m not proud because I trained them, I’m proud to be their partner and because of who they are; that indomitable spirit that drives them to do their job; and their unabashed joy when they see it accomplished.
7. What goes through your mind when you hold your new book in your hands for the first time?
I can’t believe this is really happening!
8. What piece of advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Never, ever give up on your dreams! They do come true. When I began this series, I was living below poverty level in Reno, Nevada. The original story was written with a box of pencils and a yellow lined legal pad. The thought of ever stepping foot on English soil was beyond hope; as was the idea that this book would ever be published. But I have now been to the UK many times, and “Arrival” has been published. Always remember, with God, all things are possible!
9. Who would you like/have liked to interview?
Since my novel is about Alfred the Great, I would have liked nothing better than a candid interview with him; not only for the full emotional impact, but to fill in some of the blanks in the historical record.
10. When and where do you prefer to write?
The perfect place is at my desk, in front of an open window, in the morning or at night.
Thank you, Marian Beland and Love Books Group
About the author
Marian Beland resides with her family in the horse country of northern Connecticut and is the author of the “Here and Now” trilogy.
Her lifelong passion for history and adventure are the foundation of her captivating novels.
When Marian isn’t writing, she is likely training or deploying her search & rescue K-9 partner on missions to find the lost and missing.
Book Link
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