Hello Eilidh and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about Josephine: Singer Soldier Dancer Spy!
Thank you very much. I am thrilled to be here.
To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?
I live in the South West of France and have done so for the last twelve years. I am inspired by -seemingly ordinary people who achieve extra-ordinary things.
What inspired you to write Josephine: Singer Soldier Dancer Spy?
I am lucky to live near the Chateau des Milandes which she owned in France and after visiting it felt compelled to write about her period as a spy.
What research did you undertake when writing Josephine: Singer Soldier Dancer Spy?
I read some books-in French -about this period in her life and I visited her chateau which is now a museum in her honor.
What would you like readers to take away from reading Josephine: Singer Soldier Dancer Spy?
I would like people to appreciate her bravery and vision.
What was your favorite scene to write?
The scenes where she considers herself an Arabian princess.
What was the most difficult scene to write?
The scenes when she is a child.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
It has always been there.
What does your daily writing routine look like?
I try to write at least a thousand words a day and I give myself targets.
What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?
To keep going.
Who are your writing inspirations?
J K Rowling, Ursula le Guin
What was the first historical novel you read?
It would have been a Catherine Cookson-not sure which one.
What is the last historical novel you read?
I am reading Alone in Berlin which I will read again very soon.
What are three things people may not know about you?
I was born on the cusp. I can’t drink coffee. I am allergic to kiwi fruit.
What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?
History fascinates me.
What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?
Scottish history any period and the 1920’s onwards.
What do you like to do when you aren't writing?
Reading.
Lastly, what are you working on next?
I am writing a trilogy set around the French resistance in Dordogne during WW2.
Thanks so much for stopping by Passages to the Past today! I can't wait for your next book!
Josephine: Singer Soldier Dancer Spy by Eilidh McGinness
Publication Date: December 1, 2019
eBook & Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction
Josephine Baker is born into poverty in racially segregated America. Desperate to escape she flees to France where she embraces the hedonistic lifestyle on offer for those who dare, in the Paris of the Roaring Twenties.
Hitler's rise to power in Germany forces her to face her true self. Determined to protect the Liberty Equality and Fraternity she has found in France, she becomes an 'honorable correspondent' for the French Secret Service. So, beginning a journey which will take her from the Red Cross Shelters in Paris to the cruel deserts of North Africa. She will find love and enduring friendship but she must also face dangers which will threaten not only her life but all she holds dear.....Can she find the courage to fight for what she believes in....no matter what the cost?
Available on Amazon
About the Author
Eilidh was born and brought up in the Highlands of Scotland. She studied law at Aberdeen University. She practiced as a lawyer for twelve years, latterly specializing in criminal defense. Eilidh then moved to South West France with her then husband and four children. She established an independent estate agency business which she ran for twelve years before concentrating on writing- a long held dream. Eilidh has always been fascinated by history and ordinary people who achieve extraordinary things.
Website | Twitter | Goodreads
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, December 30Review at Books and Zebras
Thursday, January 2
Review at Liberty's Literary Loves
Friday, January 3
Feature at Comet Readings
Monday, January 6
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Tuesday, January 7
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Wednesday, January 8
Review at Reader then Blogger
Thursday, January 9
Feature at Just One More Chapter
Saturday, January 11
Review at Reading is My Remedy
Monday, January 13
Feature at I'm All About Books
Tuesday, January 14
Feature at BookNook 2020
Wednesday, January 15
Review at Passages to the Past
Thursday, January 16
Interview at Passages to the Past
Friday, January 17
Feature at View from the Birdhouse
Saturday, January 18
Feature at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Sunday, January 19
Review at YA, It's Lit
Monday, January 20
Review at Nursebookie
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Josephine: Singer Soldier Dancer Spy! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on January 20th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
Josephine
How delightful to get to know more about you Ms. McGinnis. It was a wonderful interview.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed it, thanks Liberty!
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