Introducing debut novelist Keli Gwyn w/Giveaway

Let me just say up front I am so excited to have Keli here! Over the last year I have gotten to know her through her blog and email, and I have to say that she is one of the kindest, most encouraging persons I know.

I think you will thoroughly enjoy getting to know Keli. Her sense of humor is delightfully fun! She's also offering a copy of her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, to one of my readers!

Hi Keli! Thanks so much for being my guest today :) Tell us a little about yourself and your writing journey. 

I’m a native Californian living in a Gold Rush-era town at the foot of the majestic Sierras. When I dusted off my dream of being a writer, one held since I was seven, and began my first story forty years later, I knew I wanted to write inspirational historical romance. Inspirational because my faith is important to me. Historical because I’m smitten with the Victorian Era. And romance because I’m a hopelessly romantic mush pot.

Since I could write a book about my writing journey, I’ll challenge myself to share it in one sentence. Here goes: I wrote five stories in two years, took a year off to study craft, rewrote my third book twice, entered it in lots of contests and did well, got requests from final-round judges, received an offer from agent Rachelle Gardner as a result of one, rewrote the story one more time, chewed my nails when it went out on submission, and rejoiced when it sold six weeks later. Phew! I did it. :-)

That is some journey! Sounds like you were one busy woman. 

What do you think makes a good story?

What goes into making a good story? Hmm. Lemme see. OK. Got it, but bear in mind this recipe is for a romance.

• A likable hero and heroine who aren’t perfect but are “perfect” for one another


• A plot that forces the couple into close contact and has some fun surprises for the characters and the reader


• A unique voice that adds a nice flavor to the story


• A pleasing progression of plot elements and character arcs


• A sigh-worthy ending for a couple who has overcome the many challenges the author threw at them 

Oh yes, I love a sigh-worthy ending! I just read one this weekend.

Do you have a favorite book? What about it makes it stand out from others?

My favorite work of fiction would be Little Women. I forked over $10 of my allowance money when I was 13 for a hardcover unabridged version. It’s the only book I have from my childhood. I treasure that tear-stained copy. I read it over and over when I was young, dreaming Jo March’s dream of being a published author and hoping like crazy she and Laurie would get together. If I were ever to write fan fiction, I’d make sure that happened—with my apologies to Jo’s sister Amy of course. :-)

I love Little Women! That's one of my favorites. The movie is pretty good too! 

Have you always been such a fitness buff? Can you share some fitness tips to help us readers get in shape?

I was a sedentary person until my osteoporosis diagnosis last November. The goal of arresting or reversing my bone loss lit a fire under me. I joined Curves, where I work out 3x a week. I walk the other days. To my surprise and delight, I enjoy exercising now.

My best get-in-shape tip for readers is to read while walking. When I heard about this form of multi-tasking from a friend not long ago, I gave it a whirl. Walking on a treadmill could work for some, but I walk outdoors on a fairly level walking trail. So far I’ve not stumbled, fallen, or crashed into another walker, although I did get slapped in the face by a low-hanging branch once. I blame that on Karen Witemeyer. I was so into her latest book that I’d lost track of everything around me.

I'm so sorry to hear about that diagnosis. You are such an inspiration to me in the fitness arena. I love keeping track of your Transcontinental trek! You have spurred me on to get out there and walk more daily. And reading while walking is a great idea. I lose track of everything when I read Karen's books too!

What’s the one food item you can’t live without?

If we’re talking a single entrée, it would be a Taco Bell tostada.

If we’re talking one particular item, it would be bread. My entire family loves bread. Our love affair began when we lived in Germany and got hooked on their heavy, hearty, whole-grained breads. Yummers!

Taco Bell rocks! I agree about bread too. I have switched to Weight Watchers and it's not bad, but I prefer making my own whole wheat!

Be honest and tell us what you’re wearing right now?

I just returned from my Curves workout, so I’m wearing a pair of navy exercise shorts, a gray v-neck t-shirt, and, gulp, no makeup. I’ve already kicked off my cute Nike workout shoes and my socks. And, yes, there is a shower in my future.

Where is your favorite place to write?

At home. I’m a shy writer and can’t write well in public. Not only that, but I speak dialogue out loud as I write it, make faces as I imagine characters’ reactions, and jump out of my chair at times to act out certain gestures. I’m sure I’d get strange looks if I were to write at a coffee house or restaurant.

I laughed out loud at this! That would be a sight to see but so much fun :)

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night and just have to get up and write down a thought? If so, do you keep a tablet on your bedside table or go to the computer?

Ideas bombard me all the time, even in my dreams. I jump up and race for the tablet by the phone when I want to capture a particularly good one in the middle of the night. 

Do you talk to your characters? Keep story boards? Pictures?

I talk to my characters all the time. And they talk back to me. I love it when I begin a new story and they really start chatting. That’s when I know I’ve got the new characters down.

I plot using two whiteboards on the wall beside my desk and plenty of sticky notes. I like being able to move scenes around if need be.

The pictures I use are old-fashioned photographs from the Victorian Era, either the wallet-sized carte de visite or the 4x6 inch cabinet card. Both are mounted on cardstock. When possible, I use actual photos found on my antique store searches, but I’ve used images from the Internet as well.

I find it fascinating the process that authors use to write their stories.

What’s in store for you next? Are you working on another book?

I’m working on another inspirational historical romance and have oodles more story ideas in the planning stages.

Yay! I love that genre best!

Where can you be found on the internet?

You can visit my cyber home at www.keligwyn.com, complete with its parlor, library, study, carriage house, and more. My blog and social media links can be found there as well.

Thank you so much for being here today, Keli! It was fun learning more about you and  your writing.

Book Blurb

An ever-resourceful widow, Elenora Watkins arrives in El Dorado ready to go into partnership with Miles Rutledge. When he refuses, Elenora becomes the competition across the street. Is this town big enough for the two of them? Miles can’t help but stick his well-polished boot in his mouth whenever he comes face-to-face with Elenora. Can he find a way to win her heart while destroying her business? Miles’s mother, Maude, is bent on Elenora becoming her new daughter-in-law while Elenora’s daughter, Tildy, thinks Miles would make a perfect papa. How far will these meddlers go to unite this enterprising pair?



Leave an encouraging comment or ask Keli a question to be entered to win an autographed copy of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California. Ends July 6th. US Only (all 50).