Xeno Oaks by Marjorie B. Hill
Our guest
blogger is Marjorie B. Hill, author of Xeno Oaks: My home is in the small
town of Walterboro, the low country of South Carolina. We have four wonderful
children, three daughters and a son and have been blessed with seven
grandchildren. I have been published in Moody Monthly, Pee Dee Magazine,
Mustard Seed Ministries and several newspapers. Xeno Oaks is my first
novel. When not gardening, I can be found at the Veterans Victory House in
Walterboro, where my husband is a resident. I am a member of the American
Christian Fiction Writers Southeast.
What fun or unique things can you tell us about yourself
that we don’t know?
We served as
missionaries to the beautiful country of Colombia, SA, after a year of language
study in San Jose, Costa Rica. I was famous for getting my Spanish words
confused…like when I asked the maid to clean the spot on the wall with sopa thinking
it was soap, not realizing it was soup. Tomato soup doesn't go well with a
white wall. Also, I am a Master
Naturalist and have always been intrigued with the beautiful swamps and swamp
life that is abundant in the low country of South Carolina. I grew up in a tiny
(small is not an adequate description) southern town--maybe 500 including pets.
Please describe yourself with three words.
According to my
husband who suffers from Alzheimer's, I am tall, beautiful, and brilliant. In
reality I am tall, love writing and teaching, and making people smile.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
I love
gardening. I can get out there and yank those weeds (frustrations) from the
landscape and feel so much better as I lean back and admire my work. Also enjoy
reading and speaking and teaching. Especially enjoy spending time with my
family.
What novel have you recently read that
impressed you that you would highly recommend to others?
The Wedding Dress by by Rachael Hauck.
I have a list of my 5
favorite novels I’ve read. Please tell us your 5 favorite novels of all time.
The Princess and the
Curdie by George MacDonald; George MacDonald by C.S. Lewis; Destined
for the Throne by Paul Billheimer; Down
the Long Hills by Louis L'Amour; Brides
of the West by Lori Copeland. My list continues to grow as so many
wonderful new authors shine forth.
If you could have dinner with one person from
today or history (except Jesus), who would it be?
Simon
Peter. I love the fact that he was constantly putting his foot in his mouth,
yet he was chosen and loved by our Lord. That gives me tremendous hope.
How did you become involved in writing?
I have always
loved stories. My parents were storytellers as well as my grandparents. Each
evening the neighborhood children would come to hear Daddy's stories. He would
sit them in a row on the back of the sofa, drag up a chair so he would be eye
level and weave his interesting tales. There is a wonderful mystery with words
and in writing. In seeing your characters come alive and revealing themselves
to you.
Where do you write? Do you have a dedicated office or a
corner or nook in a room?
I have a desk
with bookshelf and computer in my sitting room. But I have to admit that I keep
a pad in my purse (my grandkids call it the black hole) to jot down ideas or
thoughts before they zip out of reach. Also keep a pad on my nightstand.
Please tell us
about Xeno Oaks.
Xeno Oaks. Xeno Love
Britton is my great, great grandmother's name. I chose her name for my title.
I decided she needed some special treatment bearing that name for her life. (Read more about Xeno Oaks here.)
What takeaway value do you hope your readers receive after
reading this book?
God's love and
forgiveness surpasses all of our problems. I suppose I want most of all for my
readers to see redemption and forgiveness but also humor in our everyday lives.
I have a tendency to take myself much too seriously.
Did you have to do any research for this book?
Yes. I included
family stories and time related information.
How long have you been writing? When did you sell your first
book?
I don't
remember when I didn't write. Comments, notes, diary, etc. My first book, Xeno
Oaks, was released on June 5, 2012. However it had been a work in
progress for many years.
What advice would you give to writers who have been writing
a few years but still haven’t interested an agent or publisher in their novel?
I know this
sounds redundant but don't give up. God's timing is perfect.
What are you working on now?
A sequel to Xeno
Oaks. The story of the older sister, Penny. Also I have a weekly
devotional blog, The Front Porch Visit--A Southern Tradition.
Please tell our readers where they can get your book.
I have an author's page on Amazon. Also it's available on the Tate Publishing website.
Please tell our readers where they can find you online.
Any parting comment?
Thank you so
much for this opportunity. It is a privilege to be interviewed by you.
Remember: leave a comment on THIS post by 6 p.m. CT Sunday, September 22, 2013 and you'll be entered in the drawing for a copy of Xeno Oaks by Marjorie Hill. Please, please remember to leave your email address. I’ll need you email address so that should you be the winner I can get in touch with you. I’ll announce the winner in Monday’s blog.
The winner of last Monday’s
blog post for a copy of A Ton of Gold by
James R. Callan is Maxie. I'll
email you. Thanks all for commenting. Watch for more book giveaways.
Till next time … keep
on smiling.
Greetings Marjorie on your Debut novel. It is an eye catcher with that Title. Also I love stories about Plantations. Was Xeno a name for another generational relatives? Never heard it. Is the X pronounced like a Z? Did she have a nick name? I would love to win your book. Thanks Jo for having Marjorie here, a new to me author. Thanks for a chance to win this book. Jo, I am a follower. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteMaxie, thanks for coming by and leaving your comment. Many thanks for following my blog!!
DeleteHi. This is a new story and new to me author. Sounds good. Please enter me. Thanks.
ReplyDeletesweetdarknectar at gmail dot com
Boos Mum, glad you found a new author. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. You're entered.
DeleteWhat an interesting name to have...and I thought the mother of my boss had an unusual name, Queenie. Would love to read your first book.
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
Melody, thanks for reading and leaving your comment.
DeleteEnjoyed the fabulous interview. Marjorie, you're a new author to me. Your book sounds fantastic. Looking forward to reading it. Thank you for sharing and please enter my name in this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Also, I'm a follower and a subscriber!!
Barbara, glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for coming by and leaving your comment. I appreciate you following my blog!!
DeleteYour story sounds wonderful, Marjorie. We lived in SC in the lowcountry, too. I know where Walterboro is,and I love the title and your winding staircase cover. Your experience on the mission field sounds interesing. Have you read Deborah Raney's book BENEATH A SOUTHERN SKY? She writes about that area, too. Blessings as you continue your writing and congratulations on your new book.
ReplyDeleteDiane, thanks for coming by and leaving your comment.
DeleteWhat a unique name - Xeno Oaks! Love it.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Hey, glad you stopped by and left your comment. Thanks for following my blog!!
DeleteWhat a unique name - Xeno Oaks! Love it.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
What a unique name - Xeno Oaks! Love it.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
Congratulations on your debut novel, Marjorie! I hope you enjoy the ride. Your book sounds interesting ~ the title is intriguing and that alone makes me want to find out more. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteamandaloves2write at gmail dot com
Amanda, thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment.
Delete