I’m so honored to have Karen Witemeyer as my guest today! She’s an agency-mate of mine, and while I haven’t had the privilege of reading her books yet, I’ve heard they’re an absolute treat.
Two-time RITA® Finalist and CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. Karen holds a master’s degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers’ guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.
You can connect with Karen on her website, http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/, or her blog, http://petticoatsandpistols.com/.
Welcome, Karen! Let’s get to the questions…
Opener Question: What seven words best describe you?
light-hearted
detail-oriented
loving
musical
dreamer
reader
mom
Either/Or Questions:
1) New England’s coastline or Florida’s sandy beaches?
New England. I grew up along the California coast, but even then I wasn’t much of beach gal. I prefer hiking to laying out, and the thought of watching waves pound against a rugged, rocky coastline sounds much more appealing than squeezing into a spot on an overcrowded beach and getting sand in my shorts.
2) Take action or Take it as it comes?
Depends on the situation, but I probably lean more toward taking action. I’m a planner. When we take family vacations, I scout out hotels months in advance, make reservations, plan activities for each day, and set the itinerary. However, I’m not so inflexible that I don’t allow room for spontaneity. The last big vacation we took, we were driving through Utah on our way to Colorado after visiting Bryce Canyon. We decided to stop at Arches National Park even though it wasn’t part of our original plan. It ended up being the highlight of the trip. I write much the same way. I plot initially, then leave room for the characters to choose new directions along the way.
3) Food Network or Cartoon Network?
Food Network. Although I’m not a great cook. I love watching the creative process, though. Watching chefs work their magic, combining just the right ingredients to make something beautiful and delicious. Much like writing. My favorite shows are the ones with a competitive element: Iron Chef America, The Next Food Network Star, and The Next Iron Chef.
4) Sweet silence or Blessed noise?
Sweet silence. I love being by myself. Quiet soothes my soul. Noise just seems to add stress. My ideal retreat would be a secluded mountain cabin with forested hiking trails.
5) Country mouse or City mouse?
I’m more of a small town mouse. I don’t like the traffic and noise of big cities, but I’m not much of a country girl, either. I like the slower pace of the small town while still having the convenience of restaurants and shopping within easy reach.
6) Spaghetti or Fettuccine alfredo?
Hmm…I like them both. I guess I’ll vote for spaghetti with lots of meat in the sauce.
7) Orchids or Daisies?
Daisies. I’m a simple girl with simple tastes. I’m easy to please and a bit of a penny-pincher. I’d much rather save the money or use it on something that will last than on expensive flowers. I’m the same way with jewelry. The only pieces I wear on a regular basis are my wedding ring and watch. I’d much rather have a pile of books than a pair of new earrings.
I know exactly what you mean, Karen. My husband loves that I tell him not to bother with expensive roses…I’d rather have something inexpensive that will last longer. 🙂 And I can so relate to the planner in you. I could spend a week just planning what to PACK for a vacation, let alone the vacation itself. I love what you shared about your last trip, how the unplanned detour ended up being the highlight. I think God must get a kick out of setting us off our tracks once in a while. 🙂
Thanks so much for being here today! It was a pleasure to have you.
Short-Straw Bride
No one steps on Archer land. Not if they value their life. But when Meredith Hayes overhears a lethal plot to burn the Archer brothers off their ranch, a twelve-year-old debt compels her to take the risk.
Fourteen years of constant vigilance hardens a man. Yet when Travis Archer confronts a female trespasser with the same vivid blue eyes as the courageous young girl he once aided, he can’t bring himself to send her away. And when an act of sacrifice leaves her injured and her reputation in shreds, gratitude and guilt send him riding to her rescue once again.
Four brothers. Four straws. One bride. Despite the fact that Travis is no longer the gallant youth Meredith once dreamed about, she determines to stand by his side against the enemy that threatens them both. But will love ever be hers? Or will Travis always see her merely as a short-straw bride?
Blog Readers: Let’s talk…How much do you plan your vacations in advance? Have you ever taken an unexpected detour on a trip and discovered something amazing? Do share!
*desk photo by Twigy Posts
I plan my vacations well in advance. I’m the one who packs things – just in case. Traveling as a child we took detours that my Mother describes as scenic & the rest of the world describes as lost. I think I’m pretty much done with detours.
SHORT-STRAW BRIDE looks wonderful.
LOL, Mary, I’ve been on a few “detours” like that.
If I’m in charge of a vacation (meaning it’s my idea to go on it in the first place) I plan the daylights out of it. Plan the route, make the reservations, have an itinerary – the whole nine yards. But when I go as a guest on other people’s vacations, I find myself slacking on all my own details until the very end – last minute ticket purchases, packing the night before, etc!! 🙂
Funny, Bekah! I bet there’s some deep psychological analysis that could be done… 🙂
There haven’t been many “vacations” in my life and most have been planned by someone else. But my trips to see my grown children have netted some great opportunities to see places and scenery I only dreamed about. I hate it when a group vacation results in long, convoluted “discussions” about what to do next, who is going where, how long to stay at a particular “spot,” and what restaurant the group is going to eat at next.
What a special treat to see your children in your travels, Vera!
Yes. And they take care of Mommie splendidly
🙂
When I discovered Karen’s books, I downloaded them on my Kindle one right after the other and had a blast with her characters for a couple of weeks! I can’t wait to read Short Straw Bride – I’m hearing great things about it everywhere I turn!
I love planning our vacations. Usually if it’s a beach getaway I don’t make many plans, other than hotel reservations and checking into the local attractions to see what our options are if we feel like doing something, but if it’s more of a sightseeing adventure – watch out! 🙂
I know what you mean, Gabrielle. Beach vacations take a whole different outlook, don’t they? 🙂
Fun interview! I have one of Karen’s books on my Kindle clamoring for my attention. Can’t wait to read it.
I’m planner in general, but I like leaving room for spontaneity. Does it count if I purposely plan for a little spontaneity? 🙂
LOL, Melissa, I’d say it counts! (although the spontaneous ones among us are probably groaning and shaking their heads) 🙂
I am such an obsessive planner. I will make a list of what to pack a month ahead of time and start packing a week before the trip. You don’t want to forget something right?
I once went to Florida and on way back home we kept seeing signs for Jekyll Island. Curiosity got to us and went to check it out. What a beautiful place! I was pleasantly surprised. I’m not much a beach person but the beach there was nearly empty and beautiful. There was a waterpark and historic homes. I was so imoressed with the place! Guess where I spent my vacation the following year?
How fun to discover a new vacation spot, Amy! That’s a great story.
I can’t believe I haven’t read any of Karen’s books yet. I need to remedy that! Thanks to both of you for sharing this. It’s great to get to know Karen a little bit better.
You’re welcome, Karen! Hopefully you get to read one of her books soon.
I rarely travel, but when I do, I’m a big time list maker. Every task associated with the trip is written on a sheet of paper and checked off as it’s finished.
The only time I play it by ear is on day trips. I’ll throw some food and water into a cooler, make sure the gas tank is full, and take off for the day.
Spontaneous day trips can be so fun, can’t they, Susan? I can’t be very spontaneous with little ones, but maybe someday… 🙂
Great interview, ladies! I just saw Karen on Book Banter for Bethany House, so it’s fun to see her here too.
I’m a planner, but for vacations, unless we’re going sightseeing (like in Europe or something), I like to relax more on vacations, so I might plan a few days’ worth and leave the rest “open” to just read or watch movies. That’s my version of relaxing!
I agree, Lindsay! Books always find their way onto my suitcase. A vacation isn’t complete without them. 🙂
I’ve heard so many good things about Karen’s latest book!
As far as vacations — I’m a planner, but I don’t mind a detour now and then.
(Posted this interview on my author FB page.)
;o)
Thanks for sharing, Beth!
Love those 7 words you chose! And I’m such a foodie wannabe! I try so hard. 😀
~ Wendy
Foodie wannabe…LOL, Wendy. You try, therefore you are. 🙂
I always love these interviews! I’m a big planner, so there isn’t too much spontaneity on my trips. I am trying to take more things as they come, though, as I get older, so maybe there’s some unplanned fun in my future 🙂
I think unplanned adventures are easier as our kids get older. Or at least, that’s what I tell myself. 🙂
Re: vacations….I plan where to visit…but once I am there, I quite spontaneous.
A fabulous interview w/ Karen, Sarah….thanks for the chance to read her
latest novel. 🙂
You’re welcome, Karen! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Hi Sarah and Karen! Great interview ladies. Karen, your book is already on my TBR list. Great to get to know you better.
I hope you get the chance to read her book soon, Loree!
I’m a planner and it drives my husband nuts! I have to plan out where we are going and what we are going to do. Some day I hope to be a little more flexible! My husband would be extremely happy.
I would love to win a copy of Karen’s book, Short-Straw Bride. It sounds like a great summer read. I haven’t read anything of Karen’s yet so I’d be delighted to win this book.
Thanks for a great interview and thanks Sarah/Karen for this giveaway!
Blessings!
Judy
judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com
LOL, Judy, I’m a planner, but in different ways than my husband. I plan the packing, he plans the itinerary for once we arrive. 🙂
What a wonderful basket-full of comments this morning. Lovely! And so many fellow planners. I love it. My favorite part about planning vacations is knowing we have a place to stay and things to do so I can just relax and enjoy it without stress. There’s nothing worse than playing the “I don’t know, what do YOU want to do?” game with three kids and a husband when everyone is tired from a long drive.
Thanks for all the delightful comments about my books, too. I sure hope you all enjoy meeting Meredith and the Archer clan!
Thanks for stopping by, Karen! This conversation was perfect timing since my family just got back from vacation on Friday. And guess what? We took a little detour on the way home that ended up being splendid. 🙂
I’m a planner! But when my dad and I drove to St. Louis last year, we took the time on the way home to site see, unsure if we would get the chance again. Driving down the mountain from Mt Rushmore is a fun memory. 🙂 I’ll enter the contest. I have a copy of the novel, but my mom loves Karen’s books as much as I do. 😀
Fun interview, ladies!!
Oh wow, Casey, I’m sure you got to see so many amazing things on that trip! I’ve never been to Mt. Rushmore, but it’s on my list of must-see’s. 🙂
Since we are older, we usually visit kids/grandkids for vacation….always good to see them! I’ve read Karen’s other books and am anxious to read this one! Thanks for entering me.
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net
That’s like getting two for the price of one, Jackie. 🙂 I’ve got you in the drawing.
I don’t go on many trips anymore but when we did, we usually had them pretty well planned, though not down to the last detail.
I enjoy Karen’s books so it was fun learning more about her in this interview. Thanks for giving away a copy of Short-Straw Bride and for entering me.
Isn’t Karen lovely, Pam? I’m glad you enjoyed the interview! 🙂
I love planning. We are hoping to go to Boston next May and I’ve already been working on the itinerary with my family 🙂 I guess I am a foodie because I’m especially obsessed with planning restaurant trips. I love finding the best out of the way place for beef on weck or deep-dish pizza. I haven’t read Karen’s books before but I keep thinking I should.
Oohhh, I want to go on a trip with you, Julia, and let you pick all the restaurants! 🙂
Oh, I’m a planner too, and now my preschooler always asks me for each day’s itinerary–oh no! Great to meet you, Karen! I would love the chance to read your book. Thanks for hosting, dear Sarah!
My son does the same thing, Melanie. It must be part of the preschool stage. 🙂
OCD Planner here. 🙂 So satisfying. Great to know you better, Karen.
Jeannie
All right, since you admitted it, Jeannie, I’ll admit it too. OCD all the way. 🙂
Love this interview format. Short and sweet – easy to digest 😉
I’m not really the vacation type. I prefer to stay home, But I enjoy hearing about others’ vacations.
Thanks for stopping in, Ruth! And hopefully you had a chance to read the comments…lots of good vacation stories in there. 🙂