Thursday, June 2, 2016

Q&A with Western Romance Author Angela Raines



Angel of Salvation Valley by Angela RainesPlease join me today in a warm welcome for author Angela Raines, who joins us for a Q&A and to share an excerpt from her historical western romance, Angel of Salvation Valley. 

Given a chance at freedom for a crime he didn't commit, Drew Carson must kill for his pardon. Taken to a lush valley where a beautiful woman lives, Luke, Drew's "rescuer", lets him know that the woman is his target--kill her, and he's a free man. But there's something strange about the valley. Time stands still, and nothing is as it seems. Will Drew trade murder for love?

Publisher: Prairie Rose Publications
Publication Date: October 19, 2015
Length: 55 pages

Available at: Amazon 

 Q&A with Angela Raines

In 250 words or less, what can you tell us about your newest release?
“Angel of Salvation Valley” arrived in my mind after thinking about my years as a counselor in juvenile detention. Some of those juveniles ended up in the adult system. What if someone was incarcerated and no one knew they were there.
I also have two cats who keep me sane, at least in my mind. From there the 'what if' came as angels as animals. Add a 'man' posing as the devil who for a price will get the 'hero' out of jail and the story was off and running.  Add research on history, some Colorado mountains and a women who may or may not save him and you have the novella “Angel of Salvation Valley”.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was a loner as a child, always had my nose in a book. At the same time, I was the actor who loved to be on the stage entertaining everyone. I started writing plays and poetry at a early age. I also did my first public performance at two and a half, singing 'I'm a little tea pot'. I've played piano, composed music, written plays and directed stage shows and a movie. (A short one, but did get IMBd credit) So I guess you could say, I've done what I set out to do as a child. I give my parents credit, they always told me I could do anything then let me do it.

What type of hero do you like best?
I like both my hero and heroine to be people who overcome whatever life throws at them with grit and grace. Redemption plays a big part in the lives of my characters. I also prefer they live life instead of life living them.

How much research do you do?
My life is spent in research. I am endlessly fascinated by people and how they lived. In addition to the “Angel” which is a Western Historical, I also write and research the Medieval Age to find pieces for the short stories I write in that historical period. In addition, there is an ongoing research project on Women Doctors in Colorado prior to 1900, and there were more than anyone realizes.

What is your favorite quote?
Almost anything by Mark Twain or Marcus Aurelius, but the one I have next to my computer now is from Neil Gaiman:

“The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you're allowed to do whatever you like.”

Excerpt from  Angel of Salvation Valley

Angel of Salvation Valley by Angela Raines
"I didn't hold up any stage, I didn't kill anyone, so how could I be drunk while committing the crime?" Drew interrupted.
"Never mind. Are you willing to take the job so you can get out of here?" Luke asked, staring into Drew's eyes.
Drew felt uncomfortable with that stare. Still he hesitated. He'd never killed anyone, unless in self defense. But if someone as evil as this woman was needed killing, he would trade her life for his freedom.
Breathing deeply, Drew slowly nodded his assent.
"Fine, you made a good choice," Luke said. "I'll let you know within the next two days when you will walk out of here," Luke moved to knock on the cell door. "After all, it took ten years to hunt you down," Luke whispered.
Drew moved to shake the hand Luke offered, wondering what Luke was mumbling. Still, when Drew took the hand firmly in his own hardened one, he was surprised at how smooth the skin was. It'd been years since he felt something so smooth, but there was also heat and strength behind the grip. A small fissure of pain traveled up his arm as Luke broke off the handshake, a tightening in his scalp.

The Author

Angela Raines, has storytelling in her blood. She began teaching her first writing and  acting workshop at the age of 16. Even before that she would write and produce plays for the neighborhood with the curtain a blanket hung on the clothesline. IN 1997 she wrote and performed a one-woman show, “Sarah - 1897”. Her writing practice consists of publishing a haiku with one of her photos Monday through Friday.  She is a member of Women Writing the West, Pikes Peak Writers and the Pikes Peak Posse of the Westerners. She also loves the joys of improvisational writing, and practices every Thursday, weather permitting with other like mined authors.




9 comments:

  1. Great post. I always enjoy learning all that you are involved in. This has motivated me to get this out of the depths of the TBR list and get it read.

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    1. Thank you Robyn. This was one of those stories that wouldn't let me go until I wrote it. That I was able to get friends to pose for the cover was icing on the cake. Angela/Doris

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  2. Doris, I always am excited to see what you'll come up with next. Your stories are always so different--and this one you wrote for the upcoming medieval anthology at Prairie Rose is no different! You have a real talent for unusual story-telling!

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    1. Thank you so much Cheryl. That is such high praise coming from you. I suppose the 'unusual' has always been a draw for me. To be able to share them within different genres is heaven for me. Angela/Doris

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  3. Wonderful story, Angela/Doris. You're such a gifted person. Sigh.

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    1. I have read some great authors to help guide me Jacquie and that would include you. Thank you. I keep trying. **Smile** Angela/Doris

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  4. I haven't been able to read anything of yours yet, I need to though!

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    1. Britney,

      When you do, I hope you enjoy it. Let me know. In the meantime, have a great summer. Angela/Doris

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  5. I haven't been able to read anything of yours yet, I need to though!

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