Monday Musings... An Interview

Interview with Tina Scott and Book Giveaway

 

Today I have the privilege of interviewing my sister, Tina Scott.

Welcome to another week of Tina Scott's blog tour for her soon-to-be-released debut historical novel, Farewell, My Denmark! I am delighted to host an interview with Tina here at Zany G's World this week; thank you Tina for joining me here.

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Tina is also giving away a copy of her novel (June publication date), along with a $10 Target gift card. For a chance to win, leave a comment on this interview. For additional chances to win, Tweet or Face book this giveaway and leave a comment here, letting Tina know you've Face booked or Tweeted about her giveaway. Tina will we checking out the comments and a winner will be selected at 5PM PST on Friday (April 26th). BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS so Tina can contact you if you win! (Any international winner will receive an e-book only... Sorry.)

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JPS: Welcome, Tina. Lets break the ice first and learn a little bit about YOU. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

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Tina:  I'm going to have to say, Pistachio Nut, since that's the flavor I always get; even when in Denmark that was the flavor I always bought.

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JPS: Out of all the pets you've had in your lifetime, which was your favorite/most beloved? Name? Why this one over the others?

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Tina:  I would have to say Rex, he was a golden Lab and played soccer  with the kids and went camping with us and was just a fun old dog. 

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JPS: When did you start writing?

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Tina: I think it was in First grade. They had us write stories for English assignments and mom would buy the old newsprint paper that came in rolls. I would make it into books and write stories about Trolls and draw pictures of them that our brother Steve taught me how to draw; And I got good grades too.  :O)

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JPS: I remember you always collecting Trolls; do you still have your collection? I know you and our older sister went on two vacations to Denmark. How did those experiences help you with writing Farewell, My Denmark in descriptions and feeling?

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Tina: Yes, I still have my Troll collection and I found out that Trolls originated in Denmark. The sad thing is I didn't know that when we went there and I didn't buy a Troll while there. My experiences there helped because we went to the Den Fynske village where they have all the different buildings that would have been common during my story timeline. I was also able to get a feel for the fauna and flora of Denmark. 

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JPS:  Cool. Tina, can you please tell us your favorite part of Farewell, My Denmark?

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Tina: Wow that's not a fair question, there are lots of parts I like. I like the beginning because I was able to put in things that I experienced while I was there. I also liked when they boarded the John J. Boyd and got to write about some of the experiences our ancestors had. I really like the whole book, it makes me proud.

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JPS: I'm proud of you too. Now would you please tell us a  short blip about your historical novel Farewell, My Denmark?

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Tina: I'd love to. A failed engagement sets seventeen-year-old Catherine Erichsen on a faith-building journey of self discovery as she follows her parents and other Mormon Saints on the 1863 immigration to America. When precious heirlooms start disappearing aboard the John J. Boyd, Catherine nearly loses her life at the hand of thieving sailors and fears she won’t live long enough to fulfill the desires of her heart.

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JPS: Farewell, My Denmark is set in 1863. Is there a particular reason you chose that year?

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Tina: This is the year that one set of our ancestors emigrated from Denmark aboard the ship John J. Boyd.

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JPS: So there's a link to our own family history; that's so exciting isn't it!?!?! What did you find most fascinating about this time period?

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Tina: It was a time of transition for modern technology. Bicycles had been invented, but chances that a farm girl would have seen one were slim. They traveled by train part of the way, but many of the immigrants, I’m sure, had never seen a train before they stepped aboard, and so many of their experiences were different and exciting.

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JPS: I remember our dad always speaking fondly of Denmark and the Danes. In fact he spoke fluent Danish to the day he died. Do you think he would be proud of you for this book and the love you've gained for the Danes through this effort?

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Tina: Well, we could hope so, I would always like to make my daddy proud. Grandma too - she wanted me to write.

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JPS: I’m interested in how authors research historical novels such as yours. Could you tell us a little about how you researched the historical background for Farewell, My Denmark? Was it mostly Internet surfing?

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Tina I got my information from a variety of sources. My family history gave me the idea for the story. I found other immigrants’ histories in the Mormon Immigration Index to broaden my perspective on their experience, I resourced a few books, and the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah, and I went to Denmark where I visited the Den Fynske Landsby, or Funen Village. It is here that they’ve brought antique homes and buildings from various regions of Denmark and turned it into an open air museum, and give snippets of their peasant history.

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JPS: Oh, wow, can you share with us your top three favorite research books or other resources?

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Tina: Going there in person trumps anything else. *grin*

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JPS: Yes, it would, I'm envious I didn't get to go with you guys. Are there any other historical figures from that era who particularly intrigue you?

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Tina: I would have to say Hans Christian Andersen. I grew up hearing his stories and loving them. And, when I was young, Danny Kaye starred in a movie about HCA, which I watched with delight.

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JPS: Oh, that's right, I remember momma having those books and reading them to us. What a hoot that was.  :O)  So what inspired you to write Farewell, My Denmark?

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Tina: There are so many well written stories about the American pioneers, but I hadn't encountered any about the Danish pioneers. I feel that their stories are unique and interesting, and deserve to be told to.

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JPS: I agree. I look forward to exploring this "less told" aspect of the LDS history. Are you working on any new projects? What are some of the other works-in-progress you're doing?

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Tina: Yes, I'm in the middle of writing a story about Catherine's sister who ends up staying in Denmark.

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JPS: That's intriguing. Where can readers obtain copies of Farewell, My Denmark?

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Tina: Farewell, My Denmark will be available in June on Amazon, Kindle, and Smashwords.

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JPS: Tina, thank you for joining me today on my blog; it's been fun.

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Tina: You are very welcome.
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Now remember, for a chance to win a copy of Farewell, My Denmark along with a $10 Target gift certificate, leave a comment on this interview. Tweet and/or Facebook for additional entries before 5 PM EST, Friday April 26th. DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS.

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Thank you for joining us today ~ Joyce P. Smith

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