Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the fifties before there were video games and the internet. As an only child I spent a lot of time entertaining myself, so I discovered reading for entertainment at the age of twelve and have been an avid reader ever since.
My love of good stories and the desire to act them out carried over into college where I earned a degree in Theater.
A natural curiosity led me to ask questions of my grandparents at an early age. I wanted to know all I could about their parents and where they came from and I started genealogy research at an early age.
After retirement I decided I needed to tell some of the stories I had uncovered about my ancestors. The only way to do that was to write a book. I started the Civil War tale, A Twist of Tobacco and soon realized that one book wouldn’t tell the entire story so A Vow Unbroken followed to explain the Reconstruction Era. The story couldn’t end there. The characters had come to life for me and I had to finish telling the complete story, so Heaven’s Promise takes the families into the next generation.
Since the trilogy is fiction based on fact, I was encouraged by several fans to publish my research materials to verify fact and point out fiction. So Tennessee to Texas was born.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is to be published October 15, 2018 and is a Contemporary Romance, titled Justice Unbalanced.
After spending four years reliving and researching the Civil War up to the Great Depression I wanted to write something more contemporary.
I created an irresistible cowboy who is unlucky in love. Every woman wants Justice “Tice” McCoy. But most have an ulterior motive. He is a straight shooter who is as honest as the day is long and thinks everyone else is too. His trusting nature takes him down some treacherous paths.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t write while naked or standing on my head, but I do have a process.
I am old school, perhaps because I am old, but I prefer to write on lined paper with a mechanical pencil. My thoughts flow out of my finger tips.
I then transcribe my hand written pages to the computer and re-write as I transcribe. The number of pages vary. But I usually transcribe a couple of chapters at a time.
Then I print what I’ve written and put the pages in a three-ring-binder. I read the pages aloud which gives me the opportunity to see how the words flow and to correct any typos or phrasing errors.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book that sucked me in and made me want to know more about the characters and the life they lived, was Forever Amber by Kathleen Windsor. I read the book when I was 14 and then wanted to learn everything I could about King Charles II and seventeenth century London. Her descriptions and characterizations were so vivid I could see the rooms, clothing and the little smirky smile of Charles’ face.
James Michener has the same effect on me. His attention to detail is phenomenal. In Centennial I held my breath as the male beaver made his way to his mates lodge under water.
There are many more but I think those represent what I look for in a good book; detail, accuracy, authenticity and strong characterization.
What are you working on now?
My current project takes me back to my roots and the Civil War era. Only this time it is my mother’s ancestors and it takes place in Missouri, Arkansas and eventually Texas.
It is the story of a young girl from a pious family who marries a scoundrel and finds herself stranded in guerrilla controlled St. Louis. Before her seventeenth birthday she is a wife, mother and widow. With no family, no husband and no way to live she resorts to the oldest profession in the world for women.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far my promotion skills have been lacking. But Facebook and Amazon ads have helped me build my reader base.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Create something that you are proud of and proud to show your friends and family. Tell the story you are meant to tell in the best way possible.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be true to yourself.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently re-reading Cimarron Rose by James Lee Burke.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to increase my fan base and I hope Justice Unbalance will grab readers and that they will then want to learn more history by reading my historical fictions. There is a lot of romance in those stories too.
I also want to finish the Henrietta Clay series and write a humorous book about three senior ladies who face the typical aging difficulties in today’s society.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Centennial, Texas, Mexico and Chesapeake all by Michener. Thouse would entertain me for a couple of months.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rita Ownby Holcomb Website
Rita Ownby Holcomb Amazon Profile
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