Please welcome my guest author, Carla Stewart!
Several of your books are set in the fifties and sixties. What is it you like about that era?
What I love the most is the music! Pop, doo-wop, some of the early country, the love songs. They’re the soundtrack of my growing up years, times of both emotional highs and lows. And so many questions about life. I’ve always been drawn to those that were different (like Paisley) or who had a rough time. So my writing nostalgic stories is my attempt to explore those things I was curious about and give voice to some of those characters.
Sweet Dreams is set in a finishing school in East Texas in 1962. Why did you choose that place and that time specifically?
I’ve long wanted to write a book that paid homage to my teen years—the glorious and turbulent sixties. It was the dawn of a cultural revolution, a decade of contrasts and change. A finishing school seemed a good place to show that contrast.
Once I’d formed the basic story, I knew that Patsy Cline and her music would be one of the backdrops. I chose to have the book coincide with the year she died in a plane crash (March, 1963). Since Sweet Dreams covers a school year, it begins in 1962. This year (2013) marks the fiftieth anniversary of Patsy’s death, so I’m glad to also pay homage to her memory.
As far as the location, there was never a question about that. I grew up in Texas so the way of life resonates with me. The drawl of a Texan is a language I understand. I didn’t actually know that much about far East Texas, sometimes called the gateway to the Deep South, but the Piney Woods and bayous drew me in when my husband and I vacationed there a few years ago. I fell in love and am convinced there’s something about the South that makes a story richer and deeper.
What sort of research did you do while writing Sweet Dreams?
I read books and articles about Patsy Cline and made a playlist of her songs for inspiration while I was writing.
One of the cousins in the story wants to become a geologist, not a popular career choice for a girl at the time. Her father has made his fortune drilling wildcats and doesn’t want his only daughter in such a rough business. Although I grew up around oil rigs and saw pump jacks every day, I’d never been on a rig or knew what the function/purpose of words I’d heard all my life were—things like dog house, slush pit, and crow’s nest. YouTube videos gave me a virtual tour and made my scenes more authentic (I hope!).
A geology consultant helped shaped some of the scenes, and I’m the proud owner of a 1955 version of Etiquette by Emily Post.
Dusty and Paisley are the two main characters. Which one is more like you? Is any part of the story “your” story?
While I am more like Dusty, the cousin who grew up sheltered in a small town, I was always drawn to people like Paisley, her cousin, who grew up with a free-wheeling, vagabond mother. While nothing in the Sweet Dreams is “my” story, it did become the story where my heart bled onto the pages as I wrote about betrayal, thwarted dreams, and the misadventures of being young. I found myself remembering the awkwardness of fitting in, the dawning awareness of love, and the deep roots of compassion that stem from my faith and experiences. In the end, I know there’s more of me in this book than any I’ve written. It’s the story of all of us—our hopes, our dreams, our journeys.
Your books are primarily women’s fiction. Is there any romance in Sweet Dreams?
Yes, although not in the typical romance book sense. A love triangle that involves a handsome Texan nearly tears the cousins apart. I think I may be a little bit in love with Jack myself so I hope your readers will have a crush on him, too.
What do you hope your readers will get out of this book?
At its core, Sweet Dreams is a story about family—loving and accepting the family you’re given. There are so many areas where families break down, so I hope readers will know they aren’t alone, that other generations have struggled . . . and survived. We all have dreams, but we don’t always give ourselves permission to pursue them. I would love for readers to find that freedom and dream big!
I also hope that readers enjoy either reliving their own youth (Baby Boomers) or learning about another generation. A lot of my young readers think my nostalgic stories are historical – I love that!
Thanks so much, Kate, for letting me share with you and your readers!
About Carla
Award-winning author Carla Stewart’s writing reflects her passion for times gone by. Her desire is to take readers to that familiar place in their hearts called “home.” Her three previous novels have won both local and national awards, including the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She’s been an Oklahoma Book Award finalist the past three years, and Stardust was recently short listed for the INSPY Award. She and her husband have four grown sons and delight in the adventures of their six grandchildren. Sweet Dreams is her newest release. She loves to connect with readers at www.carlastewart.com.
Sweet Dreams – Book Blurb
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Dusty Fairchild and Paisley Finch are close-knit cousins but opposite in every way. Blonde and top in her class, Dusty has lived a sheltered life, raised on a Texas ranch by her widowed, oilman father. She’s never lacked for material possessions but yearns for a life of adventure and studying geology in college. Instead, her daddy sends her to finishing school in East Texas.
Paisley, has grown up traveling the country with her bohemian mother, and is wise to the ways of the world. Dark haired and clever, she’s grateful to her uncle for letting her join Paisley at Miss Fontaine’s. She’s weary of the “grasshopper” lifestyle of her mother and ready to live a settled life.
At Miss Fontaine’s, their loyalty to each other binds them, but when they fall in love with the same handsome young man, their relationship teeters on shaky ground. Only after a tragic accident do they learn where their true hearts-and dreams-lie.
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Please leave a comment below for the opportunity to win a copy of a signed book from Carla! USA Residents only please. An email address is required so the winner may be contacted.
I would love to read this. Thanks for your giveaway. O to go back and think of those days again. Sometimes it brings a smile.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Thanks, Diana! I love remembering those days and writing about them. I think time has erased some of the less pleasant parts and left only sweet memories. Glad you’re here.
Would love to win and read. Angelachesnut246@gmail.com
Thanks, Angela!
Wonderful give away.
Would love to win this book.
seraphinangel7@aol.com
Hi Juanita! Wishing you all the best this beautiful morning!
Thanks for introducing me to this author. I would love to read her book. quilteddaisydean@gmail.com
Anonymous – I love meeting new readers and hope you’ll check out Sweet Dreams and my other books. I see by your email that you’re a quilter – we have a lot in common (although I gave up quilting when I began writing books). Someday . . . .
What a good idea to use music as a background to your novel, thus setting a tone. Sounds like a sweet story. Will have to check it out.
Thanks, Judy! I have music in all of my nostalgic books. Sometimes I hear a song, and it takes me right back to a moment years and years ago. Would love for you to read Sweet Dreams.
Looks like a must read.
Thanks, Bonnie. I would love that!
I would really like to read this book. I live in Texas and I love books set there.
susanmsj@msn.com
Ah, Susan – a girl after my own heart. I have three books set in Texas and grew up there. I go back as often as I can! Thanks for stopping by.
Ah Carla, will you share with us a photo of Emily Post’s Etiquette book and your favourite item?
Thanks Kate for sharing the interview! My upbringing was miles away from Carla’s so I enjoyed reading what it was to grow up as a teen during that era!
P.S. I own the book so no need to add my name in the ‘hat’. Thanks!
Noelle – what a great idea. I’ll add a pic of the book over on my blog. Yes, we grew up worlds apart, but somehow I think we’re linked through the heart. God is good like that. And thank you for reading Sweet Dreams!
Born and raised in Texas, I was ripped away from the land of horse ranches, pump jacks, and cattle guards when I married a military man. Well, you can take the girl out of Texas, but never the Texas out of the girl, y’all. Funny story: when I visited a friend in NY one Christmas season while I was in college, someone asked me if we celebrated the holiday in Texas, too. Without batting an eye, I told him “of course! We decorate our oil rigs with colored lights and wait up all night for Santa in the back of our pickup trucks.” From the piney woods (I attended Steven F. Austin for a year, to the sandy beaches near where I was born in Corpus Christi, there’s no place like Texas. And by the way, Gig’em, Aggies!
Beverly! So nice to see you here. And you are absolutely right. You can’t take the Texas out of the girl!! I grew up there, too, but in the Panhandle and lived in Dallas for a number of years. My heart still thumps when I cross the Red River and go back. Love your Yankee story. My roommates and I had a tumbleweed Christmas tree in college – lights and all! Thanks for sharing.
I love the idea that the setting chosen for this book includes Patsy Cline and Texas. It’s hard to go wrong with this choice Ü
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you, Cindy! It was fun to weave this story together, and I still love Patsy’s music.
I would love to win this book! Sounds good! marthajane1@hotmail.com
Hi Martha! Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the drawing.
Kate – a huge hug and thank you for having me on your blog today! I love meeting your readers and look forward to returning the favor and having you on my blog – Those Were The Days. I think that fits your stories, too. Blessings, my friend!
I have met Carla at 2 Pulpwood Queen Girlfriend Weekends in Jefferson, TX – I love every one of her books! They are such a joy to read! Thanks Carla for all the good stories! Keep up the good work!
Thank you! I’m delighted that you liked them and look forward to the next GF weekend. Will you be there? You’ll have to tell me you were the anonymous commenter – LOL!
I grew up in the 1950’s and 1960’s. I even lived in Texas for a while. I’m sure I would enjoy reading Sweet Dreams. Thank you for offering a copy.
may_dayzee@yahoo.com
Don’t you feel fortunate to have grown up during that time? I know I do and it may be why I love writing about those days. I’d love for you to read Sweet Dreams and let me know what memories it brings back for you!
Kate, I love your interview and feature of Carla Stewart! Carla and I must be about the same age, in our teen years in the 1960s. I can’t wait to read this book. I’ve already put it on my wish list. Thanks so much for featuring such a talented author. I’ve heard many excellent comments about her books!
Aw, Nancee – thank you. Those were the days, weren’t they? Let me know what you think when you get a chance to read Sweet Dreams.
Sounds like a great read. I was born in 1962. I think I’d like it!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Thanks, Susan! I think you will, too. Glad to have you drop by!
It sounds like a good book! I do not know much about Patsy Cline and her music! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com
Thanks! She has a couple of “classic” songs – “Crazy” which I’m sure you would know if you heard it. And “Sweet Dreams” of course. Oldies, but goodies!
Carla, your book sounds awesome. I loved Patsy Cline. Enjoyed your post. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway. Please enter my name in the giveaway.
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you, Barbara! Patsy had a unique voice, and her songs have become classics. I enjoyed working that into the story. Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Carla. Patsy was a most favorite for me. Loved listening to her sing. And, my youngest daughter loves to sing Kareoke and most songs she sings are Patsy’s songs. They say not everyone can sing her songs like Lori. I loved seeing Patsy on TV too. Your book sounds good. I would love a chance to win it. Thanks Kate for having Carla today. MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
Oh, I would love to hear your daughter sing Patsy’s songs! I’ve learned to appreciate Patsy and her talent even more as I’ve grown older. Such a pleasure to be here on Kate’s blog. Thanks for sharing.
My ancestor was one of the original Polish settlers in Panna Maria, Texas, just short of an hours drive from San Antonio. Since I discovered this, I have been all things Texas. I have been there, and loved every minute. A book set in Texas would be a wonderful read for me! Would LOVE to win this!
Hi Sonja! What a great history of your family. Yes, Texas is a great state. I’ve loved setting my books there – none in San Antonio area . . . yet 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Carla, for being my guest! And thanks to each of you who left a comment and entered to win a copy of Carla Stewart’s book!
Thank you, Kate. You have such a great group here. Wishing you and yours the very best. Happy Autumn (nearly)!
I would love to read this and review it. I am a big fan of the 50s and 60s. Why? I was born in 1950.
jrs362 at Hotmail dot com
Oh. Goodness. Same year for me! Would love for you to read and review. Thanks!
Hi, Carla!
Enjoyed your interview! I was a teen-ager in the 60’s, & can relate to your book – love family stories, & would love to read your book! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks, Bonnie! Would love if you read it too!
I hate these generic tags the book trade is so hung up on these days. Just because a story has a little romance in it, does it make it a ‘romance’ novel? SD
Thanks for your thoughts and for a visiting my blog, Sandra!
We have your books in the church library. I would love to win this one to add to our collection.
Thanks!
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for leaving your comment! Your church library sounds great!