Marian, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your writing.
Hi Harry and readers, I’m a south Louisiana gal living in Northwestern Colorado. My husband and I are empty nesters and enjoying the Mountains and surrounding areas. My tagline Where the Bayous Meet the Mountains describes both my stories and me. My stories whether set in Italy, Louisiana, or Colorado have a Louisiana/Colorado connection. Some very subtle, some not so subtle.
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uld you tell us about your current release, The Vigil?
The Vigil, is a story I’ve held close to my heart. While writing the story, I suffered the pain, indecision, and joys of my main character, Cheryl. She struggles through falsehoods she’s believed all her life and now, when faced with the truth, she doesn’t know what to think or believe. Her journey is shown in what I hope to be a realistic way and I hope readers will embark on the journey with her. Cheering her onward to truth.
Here’s the book blurb:
Cheryl Broussard made two vows: She’d never fall for an abusive man, and she’d never return to her Louisiana hometown. But she’s learned all too well the lesson of never-say-never. Now, back in Bijou Bayou after fleeing from an abusive boyfriend, Cheryl finds work as a Hospice nurse. While reading a dying patient’s Korean War love letters, family secrets shatter Cheryl’s beliefs about her family and herself and shed light on the reason she fled her hometown. When the Broussard family secrets are revealed, can Cheryl deal with the truth and accept the blessing of a second chance for relationships with her family, old friends, and with the God she never really knew?
Free eBook from Pelican Book Group:
http://pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_47&products_id=645
Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Vigil-Marian-P-Merritt-ebook/dp/B00SUMNNPY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423130167&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Vigil+Marian
Where did you get the idea and inspiration for this story?
For me, the characters come first before plot. Cheryl, the hospice nurse was vivid in my mind and her patient, Carlton was too. As I got to know them through character interviews, the story unfolded. Some things I expected would happen, others were a complete surprise. One of the twist and the shocker for Cheryl was one of those wake-you-up-at-three-AM revelations!
It sounds like this story deals with the subject of abuse. Does that relate to the central theme or the spiritual message of the story? If so, tell us how, without including spoilers.
The theme is about the after-effects of abuse and keeping secrets. The story deals with how so many people are affected by the sins of the previous generations and the secrets they’ve kept. It also deals with forgiveness and how hard that can be for some people. Hard to forgive others and hard to forgive themselves.
What’s your next writing project? When might we see it?
I have several projects going on right now. I’m currently writing a Christmas story set in Italy that I’m hoping will be picked up by Pelican Book Group for their Christmas Extravaganza in 2015. The working title is: The Christmas Bells of Cavazzale.
I’m editing a Women’s Fiction title I’m planning to publish Summer of 2015 titled: The Moon Has No Light. Two mothers. One son. Can the adopted son of one be the abducted son of the other?
I’m also writing a Women’s Fiction story set in Tuscany. Its working title is Four Weeks in Tuscany.
The plot is simmering on my next Bijou Bayou novel. So far, the working title is Jo and Gelly. The story deals with: 32 y/o twins. One is dying and the other is lost spiritually, a bucket list, and a Go-Pro camera. Can’t wait to see what God has in mind for this one!
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Harry, thank you so much for having me here on your blog!
For readers who want to connect, you may do so at any of the following sites:
My website where you can sign-up for my quarterly newsletter. I send updates, book recommendations of books I’ve read and enjoyed, a Cajun recipe, and an exclusive giveaway.
Web site: www.marianmerritt.com
Blog: www.marianmerritt.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marian.p.merritt
Facebook Reader’s Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/marianpmerritt/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarianPMerritt
Marian Pellegrin Merritt writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots. She is the author of Southern Fried Christmas, Deep Freeze Christmas, and A Cajun Christmas Miracle
Marian is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women’s Fiction Writers Association.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy and an accounting certificate from the University of South Alabama. This Louisiana native writes from the Northwest Colorado home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle.
Harry, thanks so much for hosting me today and the chance to interact with your readers!