I first met our featured reader, Stephanie, when she won my giveaway of Busy Moms’ Devotions to Go. Many of Stephanie’s family members are from Kentucky, so she knows about the area I live in. She also wrote two books that are set partly in Kentucky, Across the Wide River and The Light Across the River, an Underground Railroad series based on a real family. I think you will enjoy her sense of humor, and she even shares some frugal tips! Check out her story below:
What made you interested in writing?
I’ve always loved to read. I believe that writing is what God had in mind for me all along. I’m not a big talker. I’d rather sit back and listen or do research. Then I share what I learn with my readers.
What are your books about?
They’re novels about a real Underground Railroad station run by the Reverend John Rankin and his family. I found out about them when my family used to drive through Ripley, Ohio, on the way to my grandma’s house in eastern Kentucky.
Have your family members read your book? What do they think?
Some have, some haven’t! The ones who have liked them very much. The ones who haven’t will come around someday. I can wait.
Are you like any of the characters in your books?
I’m not just like them, since my main characters are boys! But I do share characteristics. I used to be very shy like Lowry, the hero of Across the Wide River. Johnny is the hero of The Light Across the River. He can’t keep a secret. I’m an excellent secret keeper, but I do rub my thumb over something smooth when I’m nervous or need to relax. Physically, I’m like Eliza from Light, so when she had to cross an icy river carrying a baby to escape slavery, I could easily imagine how difficult that would have been. There’s probably a little bit of me in every character—how else can I say how they feel without exploring my own feelings?
Do you have any interesting stories from when you were writing your books?
I have lots! The most humbling one is when we went to Ripley for another author’s nonfiction Rankin book launch, a really big deal with a major publisher. My first book wasn’t out yet. Anyway, I was excited because I thought I might have a chance to meet some Rankin descendants in person in the church. Dignitaries spoke about the Rankin family descendants in attendance, and I just KNEW that they would ask them to stand. Then when the ceremony was over, I’d weave through the crowd and introduce myself. Only one problem—they didn’t introduce them! Talk about crestfallen.
While everyone else in town flocked to have their books signed by the launch author, we decided it would be a good time to revisit Rankin House up on the hill above Ripley. So we drove up to the house and there was only one other car in the parking lot. The lady dashed off to the house, but the man walked slowly down the path with a cane. I fell in with him and he commented that he hadn’t been to the house since 1947. My heart pounded—that was when Rankin House was dedicated as a state memorial. Then he told me he was a direct descendant! I almost fainted. We exchanged email addresses. We got to be friends and even visited the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center with the couple. It was unreal to watch the movie about the Rankins with a descendant. God made sure I had the desire of my heart that day, and that’s what is humbling about the experience.
What’s your schedule like when you’re writing?
Really pretty much like any other day, except I write late at night. I put my family first.
What items do you have to have when you’re writing?
Around my computer, I need water to drink, something to doodle with if I get stuck, and my research notes. I always have a pad of paper and a pen in my purse when I’m working on a book. Once as I drove to pick up Chinese food, I came up with a solution to a difficult problem. When I got there, I jotted down the conversation and used it almost verbatim in my second book.
How do you celebrate when you’ve finished a book?
Hmm, when my critique partners (online writer friends who read and comment) say I’m done, I might go out to dinner with my family, but nothing fancy. Usually, I’m just grateful.
Do you have any future books planned?
Yes, the third book in the Rankin trilogy to wind it up, the chapter book, and my first book with a girl heroine after that. All are based on Ohio history. It sounds like I’m bragging, but Ohio really did play a very important part in our nation’s history. Some of that history has been forgotten. My brand is “Putting the story in history.”
Where can we find you on the Web?
My best friend is working on a Web site for me, but in the meantime, find me at my blogs: www.homeschoolblogger.com/Stef and Book Bait. I also have a ShoutLife page, where you can find Rankin House photos and information, and you can friend me on Facebook.
How can readers get a copy of your books?
Of course you can get them through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or any other bookstore (or ask your librarian to order them for their collection)—just ask them to order Across the Wide River (ISBN 0825435765) and The Light Across the River (ISBN 0825435749). The major chains all have online sites for orders, of course. But especially for Frugal Femina readers, go here for the best deal I’ve found other than second hand copies. Both books for $15.99; a 24% savings.
Why do you like reading Frugal Femina?
You really work hard for your readers to find freebies and discounts. Every little bit helps in this kind of economy. Thanks!
Do you have a favorite frugal tip?
I try to use up all groceries in the house before going back to the store. I save all leftovers—veggies go into soup, broth from roast can be soup or gravy. I even saved pineapple juice and cherry juice when I drained those fruits for pineapple upside down cake. I’ll make smoothies. For more great tips, buy The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, which has wonderful recipes and practical food storage tips. One more tip—shop early in the day to get marked down meats, and freeze or use immediately. Another tip—if you keep all your change in a jar for a year, you should have close to $600. I’ve always taken it to a CoinStar machine before a year is up. I usually have about $130. Nice boost when we had two kids in college. Now we only have one. And that’s my last tip—start saving NOW for college. NOW.
How frugal would you say you are?
So frugal I’m almost cheap. I was the eldest of five kids, so some of that time rubbed off. One of my favorite sayings is from the Depression era, I think. It goes, Use it up/Wear it out/Make it do/Do without. I’m a toothpaste tube squeezer, okay? Every last molecule of toothpaste must be out of the tube before I throw it away. My husband gives up long before I do. Uh-huh, and he was the middle of three kids. I really think it makes a difference.
Is there anything you would like to add that I didn’t ask you about?
Let’s see, Frugal Femina readers can read the first two chapters of each book absolutely free! Here’s Across the Wide River, and here’s The Light Across the River.
Thank you, Stephanie, for sharing your story with us! It was wonderful to meet you and hear the behind-the-scene details of your books. Stay tuned, readers, because I’ll be hosting a giveaway of Stephanie’s book soon!
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