Interview with Robin Maderich, author of Faith and Honor

Although published in various genres of romance, both in print and electronic format, Robin Maderich's first novel was historical, released by Warner Books (before the big merger with Time) in 1989. Faith and Honor hs since been reprinted and the second in the trilogy released. Most recently Robin is enjoying an association with New Concepts Publishing and had a brief but satisfying association with Inara Press. She has also illustrated a children's e-book which was released last year.

The rural village in Pennsylvania where Robin resides with her husband and multiple pets has provided much of her recent inspiration. The fact her three sons are all grown has allowed her more time to pursue writing. As one might expect, Robin's feelings regarding that circumstance are mixed.

Robin's love of history, research, the intricacies of detail and stretching her imagination have aided her immensely through the ever-expanding process of learning her craft.

For more information please visit http://www.robinmaderich.com/

About the book:

Rescued from the harrassment of British officers in Colonial Boston by handsome, secretive Fletcher Irons, Faith Ashley's slumbering passions are ignited, until the discovery that Fletcher himself is an officer of the army she has come to despise, a man who is the enemy. Yet with persistence, Fletcher wins the fiery Faith's love. When the colonies erupt in Revolution, Faith refuses to choose between her loyalty to the cause and her love for the man who is far more than the color of his uniform. Will her honor be her undoing?

I was lucky enough to be able to interview the author. This is what she had to say:

Where are you from?

When I was ten years old I spent an entire year secretly pretending I came from Mars. However, I was born in Germany, spent a great deal of my childhood in Dover, Delaware, but have also lived in Maryland, New York (Queens, Long Island, and Upstate), New Jersey, and now make my home in Pennsylvania.

When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing when I realized (at a very young age) I could put words together in a way that entertained others. I love the power of the written word to create, to move, to educate, to transport. Although I wanted to be an author when I ´grew up´, and spent my life reading to learn the craft of writing, I didn´t seriously consider publication until I was in my twenties.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When something I´d written garnered the interest of a professional in the industry. Before that, I wasn´t entirely sure that family, friends and teachers weren´t just placating me when they told me I could write.

What inspired you to write your first book?

My first so-called book was written when I was seven, so I won´t go there. However, when I was in my twenties I wrote a fantasy whisking the heroine to King Arthur´s court. I was fortunate enough to get representation by an agent for that book. However, after the editor at Warner reviewed it, she requested I write an historical romance. I certainly wasn´t going to say no! And thus, Faith and Honor was born (the first time around).

Do you have a specific writing style?

Hmm. I think I would call my style "musical". If the words don´t flow in a musical manner, somehow, with tempo and cadence, it doesn´t work for me.

How did you come up with the title?

Faith Ashley and Fletcher Irons are the main characters, so the Faith in Faith and Honor might be obvious. However, the story has to do with faith, as well; faith in one´s fellow man, in the power of love and trust, in one´s own strength, etc. Both of these characters also possess an incredible sense of honor, which binds them and also forces them apart.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes, stand up for what you believe in, but keep your heart and mind open.

How much of the book is realistic?

Well, there are detailed battle scenes drawn from real battles in history, as well as historically accurate locations, and characters based on historical figures. However, descriptions of place and time are devised to draw the reader in, make them feel the era, but not drown them in minutiae of the past.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

Everything I write is based on some experience of mine, absorbed and then expounded upon to fit the needs of a story. However, there are two particular scenes closely based on personal experiences of my own. I can´t tell you which they are, though, as I´ll give the story away.

What books have influenced your life most?

Johnny Tremain, Apples Every Day, the Merlin trilogy by Mary Stewart, and a great many books on history I use for research but which I first read for fun.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

I have to say I have been heavily influenced by the writings of Mary Stewart. I don´t know that I would consider her a mentor, precisely, as that implies a personal interaction. Still, she has a wonderful voice in her writing that thrills me to this day.

What book are you reading now?

The last in the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn. A friend of mine at work told me about the series and I´ve really enjoyed them. I´m hesitant to get into this last one too quickly, though, because I don´t want to see it end.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Diana Gabaldon (though not that new), as I am enamored of the Outlander series. Stephenie Meyer, as made obvious by my answer to the prior question. I read a wonderfully written story called Midwife of the Blue Ridge, by Christine Blevins. Some of it was horrifyingly graphic, but an accurate depiction of the time.

What are your current projects?

Currently I am working on a story that would more accurately be called women´s fiction, rather than romance, a contemporary tale with a legal aspect and still in possession of a heartwarming love story. I am simultaneously writing a paranormal romance involving werewolves in a small village in Pennsylvania. After finishing those projects, I´d like to write another historical romance. I so enjoyed writing Faith and Honor and would really like to sink my teeth into another, possibly taking place in the early 1800´s.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My local bookstore. They have been unfailing in their willingness to promote, or allow me to promote, my work.

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, I do see writing as a career. I have a job, which keeps me housed, clothed and fed, and I have a career, which enriches the rest of me.

What do you think makes a good story?

A good story is one is one in which the concept is made believable, no matter the setting, the writing flows, the words move you, and the characters are someone you´d like to know out here in the real world.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

I learned about the process and about deadlines, which has served me well. I also learned I could delve into my heart and touch places I didn´t know existed, and then write about them.

Thank you for interviewing me! If anyone would like to learn more, perhaps they might visit my website, www.robinmaderich.com.