Please Welcome, Susan Macatee

EXCITING!!  We have a guest.  Our first in a while, but it certainly won't be our last. 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE READER RALLY GIVEAWAY, INFO IS WAITING FOR YOU AT THE END OF THE INTERVIEW. Just hang in there, and there are plenty of opportunities to win.

So, I've cleaned up a little and pulled out the GOOD china for a very special visit with Susan Macatee.  She agreed to answer a few questions for my readers, and the answers are in and ready to share with you, so here we go:

What is your writing routine?

My routine has varied over the years, but I find I can concentrate best in the afternoon, after my morning workout, the dog outings, errands, laundry and household cleaning are complete. Having all that out of the way clears my head for working on my primary project. That said, I used to start writing right after lunch, but now find it works better for me if I deal with book promotion, blogging and any other non-writing commitments I have to take care of online, then I take a short mid-afternoon break and get to whichever project I’m working on for that day. I work until it’s time to start dinner.

Which comes first for you—plot or characters?

The characters always come first. I envision my hero and heroine, create personality sheets for each one, as well as descriptions, then work on the main supporting characters. Although I have a general idea of the plot, I have to know my characters before I work the detailed plot out.

What did you enjoy most about writing your latest work?

For Cassidy’s War, I used characters from a previously published Civil War novel, now out of print, and created a brand new story for them occurring five years after the original book ended. I really loved these characters and it was great to revisit them. Also their background was already worked out in the first book, making it that much easier to establish motivation. Although I’m sure readers who read the first book will enjoy seeing those characters again, the story is self-contained, so you don’t have to read the first book.

Can you talk about what you are working on now?

I’m working on a novella based on my published Civil War time travel romance, Erin’s Rebel. The heroine was a small child in that book and is now a grown woman working as a reporter for a small town newspaper. The hero is a modern day contractor who falls in love with an old house and the tintype of a young woman hanging on the wall. While surveying one of the rooms in the house, he gets conked on the head by a loose beam and wakes in the past, in the arms of the heroine.

I also have a Civil War novella coming out this April. Cole’s Promise is part of the new ‘Love Letters’ series at The Wild Rose Press. The story is based on a letter that changes one of the main character’s lives.

Dog, cat, or neither?

I’d have to say I’m definitely a dog person. Never thought I would be because my mom wouldn’t let us have a dog when I was growing up. But I fell in love with our first dog, a female boxer named Kelly. She left us a few years back after nine short years. But we now have a male boxer-mix named Chase. He’s not quite two years old and is still full of puppy energy.

      Here’s a recent photo of him. 

He's absolutely adorable, Susan!!


Favorite television shows?

My favorites right now are ‘The Walking Dead’ (just something about those zombies, lol),  but I’ve really gotten into the characters too; just started watching  ‘Hell On Wheels’ mainly because it’s set in the time period I write. I love American set historicals. And my absolute favorite show is ‘House.’

Salty, sweet, or both?

Have to say both. Chocolate covered pretzels, anyone?

The Author

Susan Macatee sets her stories of romance during and just after the American Civil War. Her passion for this period in American history also extends to the paranormal. You’ll find time travelers, ghosts, and vampires in the mix.

Her interest in the period stems from her years spent as a civilian Civil War reenactor, alongside her husband, who did the military side, with the 28th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment for about ten years.

She lives with her husband and sons, and the family dog, a boxer-mix named Chase. She spends her free time cheering on her local baseball team, the Philadelphia Phillies, spending time with Chase and her husband, watching favorite old movies, and inhaling books.

The Book

Blurb for Cassidy’s War: The Civil War is over, but Cassidy’s War is just beginning.

Cassidy Stuart longs to attend medical school. Training beside her physician father and serving as a nurse during the war, have only increased her desire to be a doctor with her own practice.  When the man who’d left her at the altar returns, she’s determined not to let him upset the plans she’s set for herself.

Until his mission is accomplished, George Masters must hide his identity as a Pinkerton agent as he investigates a physician living in George’s former hometown, a short distance from Cassidy’s home. When he finds Cassidy hasn’t married, he hopes he can rekindle their love while trying to protect her and townsfolk from the evil Dr. Madison.

Can their love be renewed despite the villain’s desire for revenge against them both?

Excerpt:

After settling her on the wicker settee, he sat beside her, enveloping her hand and rubbing it between his large, warm ones. His sandalwood and male scent invited her to lean into his warmth, but she held herself rigid, her emotions on guard.

She had so many questions she wanted answered, like where he'd been all these years and how he made his living.

"Cassie, I know you must hate me for leaving you.”

She narrowed her gaze. "It's hard to think kindly on someone who leaves you, no matter what the reason. I know you were hurting, but we could have made a life together. Healed each other."

He shook his head. "I would've held you back."

"From what?"

"Well...you're a doctor. That was your dream when I returned from prison camp."

"And look what a fine mess I've made of that." She bowed her head, studying his hand wrapped around hers. His warm touch sent tingles straight to her core. But what was he doing here? Did he really come back for her, or had something or someone else drawn him to Burkeville?

"George, what's the real reason you're here?" She held her breath, hoping for the answer she wanted to hear.

He withdrew his hand from hers, taking his warmth with it. "I thought I should come back and check on Pa." His dark gaze settled on her. "I didn't reckon you'd ever want to see me again, especially after the disaster I made of my life—and yours."

She leaned back. "George, you’re wearing fine clothing, telling us about your adventures in New York and California." She shook her head. "Doesn't sound to me like your life's a mess."

He chewed his lower lip. "I haven't told you all of it. After I left you, I wandered for a long time. I’m not really clear on all of it, because half the time I was so drunk I didn't know who or where I was."

Cassidy stood. "Well, I have to say, you look none the worse for wear after all you've been through."

"Cassie, I..." George grinned, lifting his thumbs to the lapels of his coat. "I always had a knack for poker. Cleaned out many fellow soldiers during the war."

"Are you telling me you're a professional gambler?"

He grimaced, dropping his gaze. "I'm not the type of man a physician should associate with. To tell the truth, I figured you'd already forgotten me. I expected to find you with a husband and children by now."

"There's no one else, George, if that's what you're getting at. Since you left, I haven't exactly had a slew of suitors at my door." She eyed him, not sure why she'd told him.

Cassidy’s War is available from The Wild Rose Press http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=4729 

I also have the opening chapters and other info at my website http://susanmacatee.com

And my blog: http://susanmacatee.wordpress.com

Thanks so much, Cherie, for hosting me on your blog today!

I loved having you! Thanks for stopping by. Comments are always appreciated, and if you're interested in the Reader Rally Giveaway, please click here.