Ring of Secrets, first book in the Culper Ring series, is a well-written novel that blends fictional characters with real events and real people - such as Benedict Arnold, John Andre, and members of the Culper Ring. Loyalties are divided within families, friends, and neighbors - and the Quaker and Puritan influence is felt, especially through prayers inspired by the devotional book, The Valley of Vision.
Roseanna was
gracious in taking the time to answer my questions and I enjoyed visiting with
her . . .
Q: What other books have you published prior to
Ring of Secrets?
I have three
other books out right now. Two biblical-era love stories, A Stray Drop of
Blood and Jewel of Persia, and another early American romance, Love
Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland.
Q: I'm always looking for Christian fiction set during the American Revolution time period. Do you plan to write more novels set during this era?
I actually started researching this era solely because I wanted to set a book in historic Annapolis. In researching Annapolis history, I decided it was most interesting during the six months when it was the nation’s capital, in 1783-84. But as I delved more into the era, I was hooked! After finishing LFY Annapolis I started casting around my brain for another book with a similar time setting, and I hit on the idea for Ring of Secrets. Part of me is sorry my idea for the whole series didn’t stay in the Revolutionary period, but the idea for it turned into a generational tale, so alas.
I’d love to
write another Colonial soon though, and have one plotted and ready to pitch to
my publisher when my current contracts are getting closer to finished.
Q: When it comes to the Culper Ring and the
major players in Ring of Secrets, where does fact end and fiction begin?
This is one of
my favorite parts of writing historicals! Nothing more fun than exploring the
unknown in history through my fictional characters. In Ring of Secrets,
Winter, Ben, Fairchild, and their families are completely made up, but most of
the other characters are real historical figures—Robert Townsend, Austin Roe,
Benjamin Tallmadge, Hercules Mulligan, Caleb Brewster, and Abraham Woodhull
were the real members of the Culper Ring.
Q: At one point in the book, Winter asks Ben if he is a deist (and I loved his spiritual journey). Was this a common belief at that time?
It was—and
Thomas Jefferson is the most famous example of it. Philosophy of the day had
combined to create this idea that of course there was a creator God, but
why would He bother with the small details of their lives? That was why He had
created mankind with reason and logic, to solve problems for themselves. Most
deists had a respect for God, but not a faith in Him.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from Ring of Secrets?
My deepest
prayer is that it will make them stop and ask themselves how they can serve the
Lord in whatever place He has put them. Whether they’re a sales clerk, a
teacher, a truck driver, a stay-at-home-mom, a fashion model, or a soldier, He
has a calling on their lives—and if they listen to His whispers, He can show
them how to change their world from wherever they are.
Q: What outstanding books, present
day or classics, would you recommend because they inspired you?
Oh, this is
always a tough one for me! I love Jane Austen, the Brontes, Shakespeare, all
that classic literature. In terms of modern authors, Francine River shaped me
immensely as a writer. Laura Frantz writes in this same era and is phenomenal.
Stephanie Morrill is a YA author whose stories touch me deep in my heart.
Um...goodness, I could on forever, LOL. So many fabulous writers out there!
To
learn more, visit . . .
Roseanna's
website at roseannawhite.comPinterest board for Ring of Secrets: http://pinterest.com/roseannamwhite/ring-of-secrets
Roseanna's blog: http://www.roseannamwhite.blogspot.com
The Valley of Vision, edited by Arthur Bennett: http://amzn.to/YxOuJm
Thank you for linking me here from BookFun! I loved reading her interview! I am excited about reading her next book even more now... More books sets during the war would be so good. I have always loved learning history from fiction, it stays with me so much longer when I learn about it through characters I love! Most history I know came from books like the Zion Chronicles, and other series. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you again, Faith