Marie Silk's Blog - Posts Tagged "heiress-interrupted"
What It Was Like to be on a Voyage While Writing a Book About a Voyage
Hello everyone :). I have just released the fourth book of my historical fiction series Davenport House. Many chapters take place aboard the RMS Lusitania on its last fateful voyage. The Lusitania left the pier in New York on May 1, 1915 bound for Liverpool, England. Many “important” people at the time were warned not to sail on the ship, for it was destined to have a part in The Great War being waged in Europe. The tragic loss of 1,195 lives was the result of sailing despite many warning signs.
In the second book of my series, a character named Nellie Whitmore asks one of the ladies at Davenport House to accompany her on the voyage. Even though books 2 and 3 move past this event, book 4 finally tells Nellie's side of the story. It also tells what happens next at Davenport House after book 3.
I took a Norwegian cruise from the USA to Europe in April of this year. I had been on cruises before, but this was the first one that would cross the Atlantic. I wrote the first segment of my book while on this voyage, but superstition prevented me from writing the portion about the sinking of the Lusitania! I was going to wait until I was on dry land for that one. I was already pushing my luck by sailing through the Bermuda triangle to a place where the government just issued a travel advisory against :).
I somehow became known as the resident Wi-fi expert of the cruise. Probably because I always had my laptop out and scouted the places with free Wi-fi as soon as we stopped at a port. I was in the middle of publishing my 3rd book at the time, and I had lots of emails to respond to. I had some great conversations with the other passengers who looked for me to get the latest on Wi-fi signals and passwords. By some stroke of luck, one of the passengers I got to speak to had emigrated to the USA aboard a ship in the 1950's! I wanted to hear everything about his experience crossing the ocean back then, especially in third class. He told me that they were not allowed to interact with the first class passengers or wander into the first class sections. He also said that he shared a room with his family of 12! I soaked up every detail as best I could to later adapt it to my writing.
Some people saw me with my laptop and assumed I was “working”. But I could not consider writing my book as working. It was so much fun!
One of the most memorable experiences was sailing through the English Channel and being able to see the White Cliffs of Dover, England on one side, while viewing France on the other side of the channel. Also, the food was incredible! I had the pool all to myself for several nights in a row because everyone else thought it was too cold to swim. I always got “looks” when I walked through the ship in my coverup and holding my beach towel while others were bundled in their thick jackets! So I was not always writing my book, but I was certainly gaining inspiration for it throughout the trip.
Here I am, bogged down by all the “work” I was doing on vacation :). (Not really.)
Some days, the boat rocked so badly that the captain had to assure the passengers multiple times that this was “normal” for the North Atlantic. A few times in the dining room, which was on deck 5, we could see the crests of the swells through the window which seemed alarmingly high, and we watched our ship rise and crash down with them. I wondered if it was really as “normal” as the captain said! I went through almost a full package of Dramamine on that trip. Still, it was one of the most adventurous, fun times of my life. Now I have something from it that will be dear to my heart forever. May I present to you, my newest release hot off the e-presses, Davenport House 4: Heiress Interrupted.
Heiress Interrupted
More to the story is revealed in this fourth book to Davenport House. Nellie Whitmore is accustomed to life as a carefree heiress, but her claim to the family fortune is at risk because of a new heir. Nellie is sent to Britain to be married before word spreads of her changing circumstances. What begins as a luxurious voyage becomes a fight for survival when the ship is caught in the midst of the War, forever changing the people who live to tell about it.
Friendship is kept afloat by telegrams between London and Davenport House. Mary Davenport announces exciting news, and the servants prepare for more changes downstairs. Ethan is anxious to move to Philadelphia, but becomes overworked while the estate is in search of a new groundskeeper. Relationships become strained when the unthinkable shakes the foundation of the house, and the ladies are left to evaluate the risks of keeping secrets.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
All of my books are available in the Kindle Store for 2.99 and on Kindle Unlimited.
In the second book of my series, a character named Nellie Whitmore asks one of the ladies at Davenport House to accompany her on the voyage. Even though books 2 and 3 move past this event, book 4 finally tells Nellie's side of the story. It also tells what happens next at Davenport House after book 3.
I took a Norwegian cruise from the USA to Europe in April of this year. I had been on cruises before, but this was the first one that would cross the Atlantic. I wrote the first segment of my book while on this voyage, but superstition prevented me from writing the portion about the sinking of the Lusitania! I was going to wait until I was on dry land for that one. I was already pushing my luck by sailing through the Bermuda triangle to a place where the government just issued a travel advisory against :).
I somehow became known as the resident Wi-fi expert of the cruise. Probably because I always had my laptop out and scouted the places with free Wi-fi as soon as we stopped at a port. I was in the middle of publishing my 3rd book at the time, and I had lots of emails to respond to. I had some great conversations with the other passengers who looked for me to get the latest on Wi-fi signals and passwords. By some stroke of luck, one of the passengers I got to speak to had emigrated to the USA aboard a ship in the 1950's! I wanted to hear everything about his experience crossing the ocean back then, especially in third class. He told me that they were not allowed to interact with the first class passengers or wander into the first class sections. He also said that he shared a room with his family of 12! I soaked up every detail as best I could to later adapt it to my writing.
Some people saw me with my laptop and assumed I was “working”. But I could not consider writing my book as working. It was so much fun!
One of the most memorable experiences was sailing through the English Channel and being able to see the White Cliffs of Dover, England on one side, while viewing France on the other side of the channel. Also, the food was incredible! I had the pool all to myself for several nights in a row because everyone else thought it was too cold to swim. I always got “looks” when I walked through the ship in my coverup and holding my beach towel while others were bundled in their thick jackets! So I was not always writing my book, but I was certainly gaining inspiration for it throughout the trip.
Here I am, bogged down by all the “work” I was doing on vacation :). (Not really.)
Some days, the boat rocked so badly that the captain had to assure the passengers multiple times that this was “normal” for the North Atlantic. A few times in the dining room, which was on deck 5, we could see the crests of the swells through the window which seemed alarmingly high, and we watched our ship rise and crash down with them. I wondered if it was really as “normal” as the captain said! I went through almost a full package of Dramamine on that trip. Still, it was one of the most adventurous, fun times of my life. Now I have something from it that will be dear to my heart forever. May I present to you, my newest release hot off the e-presses, Davenport House 4: Heiress Interrupted.
Heiress Interrupted
More to the story is revealed in this fourth book to Davenport House. Nellie Whitmore is accustomed to life as a carefree heiress, but her claim to the family fortune is at risk because of a new heir. Nellie is sent to Britain to be married before word spreads of her changing circumstances. What begins as a luxurious voyage becomes a fight for survival when the ship is caught in the midst of the War, forever changing the people who live to tell about it.
Friendship is kept afloat by telegrams between London and Davenport House. Mary Davenport announces exciting news, and the servants prepare for more changes downstairs. Ethan is anxious to move to Philadelphia, but becomes overworked while the estate is in search of a new groundskeeper. Relationships become strained when the unthinkable shakes the foundation of the house, and the ladies are left to evaluate the risks of keeping secrets.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
All of my books are available in the Kindle Store for 2.99 and on Kindle Unlimited.
A Special Excerpt for Easter Sunday: The Easter Parade
Does anyone remember the film with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire from way back when? The Easter Parade was one of my favorite musicals! I remember frequently searching the VHS section at the library to see if the video was available for a borrow. I loved the music, costumes, and hats!
Theatrical Movie Poster for Easter Parade from Wikipedia
When I began writing a historical series set in 1915 America, I knew I wanted to somehow incorporate the real life Easter Parade tradition of New York City. I finally wrote it into the fourth book of the Davenport House series Heiress Interrupted.
Please enjoy this excerpt about wealthy socialite Nellie Whitmore, whose life is about to become much more complicated with a perilous voyage across the ocean:
"Nellie, try this one.” Mrs. Whitmore handed her daughter another hat with seemingly endless frills.
“Mother, this is outrageous,” Nellie replied, pulling at the excess of feathers and buttons.
“It is the only way you will have the biggest hat in the parade,” her mother answered.
Nellie rolled her eyes. The Easter Parade in New York City was an important event to most upper class families, but not to her. She would rather be doing anything than parading down the street in a hat that weighed as much as a lap dog. “I do not care if it is the biggest. I cannot wear this silly thing,” Nellie argued, much to the dismay of the store clerk. The clerk gingerly lifted the hat from Nellie’s grasp and placed it back among the display shelves.
“You need to be noticed if you are to catch a husband,” Mrs. Whitmore reminded her. “You are not getting any younger. You must be noticed now, before it is too late.”
“Why would it be too late?” Nellie asked curiously. Her mother was about to answer just as Mr. Whitmore emerged through the door of the hat shop.
“Haven’t you ladies decided yet?” he huffed, looking over the dozen hats displayed near his daughter. Nellie shook her head and Mrs. Whitmore gave her husband a look. Mr. Whitmore turned to the clerk. “We will take all of them,” he muttered, eager to bring the shopping trip to an end.
Nellie shook her head, knowing that she already owned more hats than she would ever wear. The clerk scurried away happily to collect enough hat boxes. Mr. Whitmore gave his wife a look that seemed to ask a question, but she shook her head in response.
“What is it?” Nellie asked.
“We will explain later, when we get back to the house,” her mother answered.
The Easter Parade was in full swing the next afternoon. Ladies strutted through the street as expected with their showy hats and dresses. Some held ornate parasols and the spectators oohed and awed.
Nellie shook her head as she pinned on the hat covered in flowers and other notions that her mother had finally chosen. She sighed at her reflection in the vanity mirror. “This is hideous,” she grimaced. “At least Mother will be happy.” Nellie joined the other ladies walking down the street and smiled at the people watching, who were busy judging among themselves who was the best dressed. Nellie could not help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. She wondered if her friend Mary would believe how silly everyone got about the Easter Parade. Mary Davenport lived in the countryside of Pennsylvania and did not often leave home for such events. When the parade was finally over, Nellie stretched her neck in relief, removing the heavy hat from her head.
“Nellie!” her mother scolded. “We are not even back to the hotel yet.” Ladies were not considered fully dressed in public without their hats.
Nellie groaned. “Can’t I go sit in the carriage until Father is through talking with those men?”
“Wait a moment, there is someone I would like you to meet first. He is son to the Goldsteins, and he has expressed an interest in getting to know you,” Mrs. Whitmore said with a smile.
“Which one is he?” Nellie asked. Mrs. Whitmore discreetly nodded her head in the direction of a man who was approaching them. When Nellie saw the man, she made a face at her mother, at which Mrs. Whitmore returned a stern look.
“Mr. Goldstein, allow me to introduce my daughter, Nellie,” Mrs. Whitmore greeted.
Simon Goldstein smiled wide at the attractive young lady in front of him. Nellie had a fair complexion framed in delicate blonde curls. She never had trouble gaining the attention of men, she simply did not care for the ones she met. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Whitmore,” Simon told her.
Nellie forced a smile. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance,” she replied quietly.
“Your hat is—elegant,” he stammered.
Nellie could not help but laugh. Another stern look from her mother caused Nellie to turn to Simon and speak quickly. “Thank you. I was just leaving to wait in my father’s carriage. I must get out of the sun. Good day, Mr. Goldstein.” Nellie turned on her heel and left the sidewalk.
“Forgive me, Mr. Goldstein. My daughter seems weary from the days’ events. Please visit us in Lancaster sometime when you have the chance,” Mrs. Whitmore apologized. Simon nodded and went on his way.
Mrs. Whitmore arrived at the carriage where her daughter was waiting. “What was wrong with Mr. Goldstein?” she asked, sounding tired.
Nellie shrugged. “He does not have the sort of face I like,” she answered, even though she did not have a good reason for disliking him.
“Well, what sort of face do you like?” Mrs. Whitmore pleaded.
Nellie smiled dreamily. “You have seen the stable boy at Davenport House. I like his face very much.”
“You know that such an arrangement is terribly improper, and do not say this to your father. You know how it provokes him to hear you talk of the Davenport’s stable boy. Your father has not worked this hard to secure our future to see it all go to a servant who lives with horses.” Mrs. Whitmore looked exasperated of having this conversation with her daughter. She leaned back against the leather seat and closed her eyes, waiting for the carriage to take them home to Lancaster.
Theatrical Movie Poster for Easter Parade from Wikipedia
When I began writing a historical series set in 1915 America, I knew I wanted to somehow incorporate the real life Easter Parade tradition of New York City. I finally wrote it into the fourth book of the Davenport House series Heiress Interrupted.
Please enjoy this excerpt about wealthy socialite Nellie Whitmore, whose life is about to become much more complicated with a perilous voyage across the ocean:
"Nellie, try this one.” Mrs. Whitmore handed her daughter another hat with seemingly endless frills.
“Mother, this is outrageous,” Nellie replied, pulling at the excess of feathers and buttons.
“It is the only way you will have the biggest hat in the parade,” her mother answered.
Nellie rolled her eyes. The Easter Parade in New York City was an important event to most upper class families, but not to her. She would rather be doing anything than parading down the street in a hat that weighed as much as a lap dog. “I do not care if it is the biggest. I cannot wear this silly thing,” Nellie argued, much to the dismay of the store clerk. The clerk gingerly lifted the hat from Nellie’s grasp and placed it back among the display shelves.
“You need to be noticed if you are to catch a husband,” Mrs. Whitmore reminded her. “You are not getting any younger. You must be noticed now, before it is too late.”
“Why would it be too late?” Nellie asked curiously. Her mother was about to answer just as Mr. Whitmore emerged through the door of the hat shop.
“Haven’t you ladies decided yet?” he huffed, looking over the dozen hats displayed near his daughter. Nellie shook her head and Mrs. Whitmore gave her husband a look. Mr. Whitmore turned to the clerk. “We will take all of them,” he muttered, eager to bring the shopping trip to an end.
Nellie shook her head, knowing that she already owned more hats than she would ever wear. The clerk scurried away happily to collect enough hat boxes. Mr. Whitmore gave his wife a look that seemed to ask a question, but she shook her head in response.
“What is it?” Nellie asked.
“We will explain later, when we get back to the house,” her mother answered.
The Easter Parade was in full swing the next afternoon. Ladies strutted through the street as expected with their showy hats and dresses. Some held ornate parasols and the spectators oohed and awed.
Nellie shook her head as she pinned on the hat covered in flowers and other notions that her mother had finally chosen. She sighed at her reflection in the vanity mirror. “This is hideous,” she grimaced. “At least Mother will be happy.” Nellie joined the other ladies walking down the street and smiled at the people watching, who were busy judging among themselves who was the best dressed. Nellie could not help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. She wondered if her friend Mary would believe how silly everyone got about the Easter Parade. Mary Davenport lived in the countryside of Pennsylvania and did not often leave home for such events. When the parade was finally over, Nellie stretched her neck in relief, removing the heavy hat from her head.
“Nellie!” her mother scolded. “We are not even back to the hotel yet.” Ladies were not considered fully dressed in public without their hats.
Nellie groaned. “Can’t I go sit in the carriage until Father is through talking with those men?”
“Wait a moment, there is someone I would like you to meet first. He is son to the Goldsteins, and he has expressed an interest in getting to know you,” Mrs. Whitmore said with a smile.
“Which one is he?” Nellie asked. Mrs. Whitmore discreetly nodded her head in the direction of a man who was approaching them. When Nellie saw the man, she made a face at her mother, at which Mrs. Whitmore returned a stern look.
“Mr. Goldstein, allow me to introduce my daughter, Nellie,” Mrs. Whitmore greeted.
Simon Goldstein smiled wide at the attractive young lady in front of him. Nellie had a fair complexion framed in delicate blonde curls. She never had trouble gaining the attention of men, she simply did not care for the ones she met. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss Whitmore,” Simon told her.
Nellie forced a smile. “I am pleased to make your acquaintance,” she replied quietly.
“Your hat is—elegant,” he stammered.
Nellie could not help but laugh. Another stern look from her mother caused Nellie to turn to Simon and speak quickly. “Thank you. I was just leaving to wait in my father’s carriage. I must get out of the sun. Good day, Mr. Goldstein.” Nellie turned on her heel and left the sidewalk.
“Forgive me, Mr. Goldstein. My daughter seems weary from the days’ events. Please visit us in Lancaster sometime when you have the chance,” Mrs. Whitmore apologized. Simon nodded and went on his way.
Mrs. Whitmore arrived at the carriage where her daughter was waiting. “What was wrong with Mr. Goldstein?” she asked, sounding tired.
Nellie shrugged. “He does not have the sort of face I like,” she answered, even though she did not have a good reason for disliking him.
“Well, what sort of face do you like?” Mrs. Whitmore pleaded.
Nellie smiled dreamily. “You have seen the stable boy at Davenport House. I like his face very much.”
“You know that such an arrangement is terribly improper, and do not say this to your father. You know how it provokes him to hear you talk of the Davenport’s stable boy. Your father has not worked this hard to secure our future to see it all go to a servant who lives with horses.” Mrs. Whitmore looked exasperated of having this conversation with her daughter. She leaned back against the leather seat and closed her eyes, waiting for the carriage to take them home to Lancaster.
