Friday 2 September 2011

SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED - The Background

This Historical Romance has been some years in the making. I've come to really know and understand why my characters
act the way they do. As in real life, their past has so much to
 do with their present.

As an art student I'd wander through the cell-blocks of the Old
Darlinghurst Gaol wondering about its previous inmates. I'd
heard about the infamous Bloody Code and how it was enforced. Incidentally, the famous 19th century actress, Sarah Berhardt was given a tour and it highly amused her to discover the jailor's cat was in reality a cat-o'-nine-tails!

Years later, after simmering away in my subconscious, the idea
for this story had me scrambling to do some thorough research.
Scrolling through various Ticket-of-Leave documents, I found my heroine, and as they say, "the plot thickened". I knew it was a real saga and only a trilogy would capture all the various twists
 and turns in her life and the life of those she loved. Also, in a
 marvellous God-incident one eventful day I "happened" to attend a High Court hearing of a murder case. The court room had apparently been built early in the 19th century which gave it the exact atmosphere I could have wished for. I hung on every word of that judge and from notes taken, I was able to quote much of the judge's manner in the handing down of his verdict.

As in so many historicals, the story begins in England. And on our return from an evangelism conference in Amsterdam, my husband and I spent 3 short days in London. We traipsed the back streets, lanes, parks, and famous landmarks all part of 19th century London Town. We visited the British Museum and Windsor Castle and the details I gained from soaking up the atmosphere in those particular places I used to great advantage in Books II and III. Being there is great, but if you can't manage the travel, an author's fabulous 21st century tool, the Web, is a far cheaper and more convenient alternative.

Signed Sealed Delivered, released  Sept. by Ark House Press, is Book I of the Watermark Women Trilogy. You can pre-order from Koorong or Christian Bookstores.

Read Prologue and Excerpt at www.ritastellagalieh.com/books.html


22 comments:

  1. What a wonderfully talented lady you are, Rita. I've just browsed your website and it's so interesting. This book also sounds fascinating. Being a lover of historical novels I shall certainly be looking out for it this month.

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  2. Thanks for that wonderful compliment, Carol. It all comes down to experience. I am in my seventies now and have limited time to get my books published!!! You younger gals have years ahead of you, so keep at your writing. Perseverance counts in the long run. Also a very understanding husband. But first and foremost I thank my Lord and Saviour to whom I give all the glory.

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  3. Sounds fascinating. It's a beautiful cover too. Yes, I'm thankful for the fabulous 21st century tool you mentioned too. I'm sure you're really excited this month, Rita.

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  4. I'm looking forward to the read, Rita. I really enjoyed "Fire in the Rock." Can't wait to see how this one unfolds. :)

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  5. Well done Rita! Sounds a great book. Looking forward to having a read of it since I love romance in any form! :) You have certainly done very well.
    Blessings,
    Anusha

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  6. Yes, Paula I am especially happy to have this book coming into print as I've given Ark House some trouble changing from my British Ovation program into Word Doc. EEEK! Just as well I have plenty of hair.

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  7. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed Fire in the Rock, Amanda as a whole lot of my experiences went into that book!

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  8. Thanks Anusha. I am also waiting to pick it up and hold it in published form. It's the fruition of a whole lot of prayer plus writing! (Also a bit of frustration.)

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  9. Finally. I am very excited for you, Rita! And, like the others, am looking forward to seeing the book in print. Nothing better than curling up on the lounge with a good historical romance:) Please email me more details on the book launch when you have finalised what's happening.
    Talk soon, Marg

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  10. Rita, thanks for sharing a little of the inspiration behind your new book & trilogy :) Congrats on your new release!

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  11. Margaret, I am hoping to have my book launch at a conference in the Hills Grand, first Sat. in October. I am nervous at the thought of it!

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  12. Thanks, Narelle. And thanks for helping me when I first started to blog. I made some awful mistakes, but you have to start somewhere.

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  13. Rita, I find this period of history fascinating, and I love how you have built it all around this one character. I can’t wait to see what you do with her.

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  14. Rita, I am very excited for you!
    Well done for posting a blog in your 70's too! You're amazing! :)

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  15. I'm afraid I give my female character a hard time, Rose, but it's just the way things were for felons in our history. Thank the Lord for Caroline Chisholm!

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  16. Thanks for sharing my excitement Lynne. As for posting a blog, oh my, I never thought I'd get the hang of it. I still have to learn to write in Word Doc like most folk, instead of my Ovation program, so that's another challenge.

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  17. Congratulations Rita - the story sounds very intriguing.
    xx

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  18. Hi Rita. Loved the cover and I'm sure the story will be as great. Ray Hawkins

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  19. Thanks Michelle, I never realised at school how intriguing history could be!

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  20. I'm glad you liked the cover, Ray. It kind of wrapped up the idea!!!

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  21. Don't we love making mischief for our heroines? LOL :) I love the cover Rita and look forward to getting my hands on this one. Congratulations!

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  22. Thanks, Dorothy. I just finished the final proof, now if only it gets to the printer in time for the launch!

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