the heroine’s bookshelf

In the Author’s Tent: Erin Blakemore

Women want fictional characters who mirror our own reflections, however smooth or unpolished we might be. Likewise, we’re drawn to headstrong protagonists who defy conventional expectations; who, in leaving indelible impressions on our minds and hearts, encourage each of us to stake our claim on the worlds in which we live. We have insatiable cravings for literary role models who make us think, "I’m like her…or could be." Characters who help us realize we’re not alone…who inspire us to say, "With God as my witness, I can and will prevail!"

From Scarlett O’Hara to Scout Finch, THE HEROINE’S BOOKSHELF celebrates these fictional characters and the authors who birthed them. In Erin Blakemore’s delightful new book, you’ll rediscover the literary heroines you’ve loved and admired over the years–female protagonists who’ve sparked our creativity and ignited our passions, and who’ve set the literary world afire in the process.

I’m delighted to host Erin in the Author’s Tent this morning. You and all your friends are invited to join us! But first, allow me to mention our contest.

CONTEST RULES: If you were hosting an afternoon tea party, which literary heroine(s) would you most want to invite? Tell us in the comments thread, and we’ll enter you in our drawing. Or if you can’t think of anyone offhand, just respond in some way to our conversation. The prize? Your very own copy of THE HEROINE’S BOOKSHELF! Entries must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. (PDT) on Sunday, October 23. Erin will select the winner via a random drawing, and we’ll announce the winner on Monday, October 24.  

 

 

Writing through the storm



Growling thunder, and jagged shards of lightning in an angry sky…Someone (and I’m not saying who) is throwing a major temper tantrum up there!

But me, I’m all snug in my office, steaming mug of tea at the ready. I’m steeped in a question-and-answer session with Erin Blakemore, author of THE HEROINE’S BOOKSHELF: Life Lessons, frm Jane Austen to Laura Ingalls Wilder, which makes its grand debut in bookstores today. My thoughts are that discussion is perfectly suited for a Thankful Thursday posting, as I’m grateful for the female authors who’ve challenged, comforted, and entertained me over the years…and also for their literary daughters, whose journeys inspire me still. 

Please join us in the Author’s Tent later this week. Thursday, to be exact. There may, in fact, be prizes! And in the meantime, keep an eye out for Erin’s book. It’s a cozy read, and if (like me) you loved Jeannine Atkin’s BORROWED NAMES, I suspect you’ll enjoy HEROINE’S BOOKSHELF, as well.

The storm is dying down as I type this. No blue skies as of yet, but I hold out hope. But I can’t gaze into the heavens all day long, so it’s back to the interview, and then WITNESS takes center stage. The teakettle’s whistling…if you’d like to join our little writing circle, please pull up a chair.

Image credit: Woman Writing a Letter, by Dutch artist Gerrit ter Borsch.
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