Meet Marie Bostwick

Today is the final day of the Author Party.  I will tally up the comments and announce the winner on Monday.  There's still time to get more chances to win - just go to previous author posts and leave a comment!

Today I'm thrilled to introduce one of my favorite authors, Marie Bostwick.  Her "Cobbled Court" series of books is a must-read for every quilter.  Wonderful, memorable characters and satisfying storylines.

Tell us a little about your latest book

My newest title, A THREAD SO THIN, the third book in my Cobbled Court series, takes readers back to New Bern and the wonderful women who gather at the Cobbled Court Quilt Shop.

With her college graduation approaching, Liza faces an overwhelming array of choices about her future, including a surprise marriage proposal from Garrett that leaves her breathless – and conflicted.


Do you have a favorite character in any of your books?

I really love all my characters. However, Abigail Burgess Wynne Spaulding is the most fun to write. I love a good curmudgeon, and Abigail is the BEST!


Are any of your characters based on people you know?

Very occasionally, I will model a character on a real person. But before long I find that the character develops a voice, personality, and viewpoint that is completely their own.

What kinds of research have you done for your writing?

All kinds. Naturally, when I was writing historical fiction the amount of time I spent researching was much more extensive than it is now. But I still do research as the need arises. Usually, my research involves the internet or a trip to the library, but I do conduct interviews or make on-site visits. Just last week, I visited the workshop of a woman who grows her own herbs and makes herbal cosmetic products – just like Tessa Woodruff, a character who will appear in my 2011 book, THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE.

I have a lot of very creative readers. Do you pursue any hobbies or creative pursuits besides writing? Any time for quilting these days?

I like to cook and garden, and I do a bit of knitting, though I’m not very good at it. My writing schedule keeps me from spending as much time with my quilting as I’d like, but I’m going to have to carve out a few extra hours for that soon. My first grandchild is on the way and the baby fabric is piling up!


What's on your nightstand (or Kindle) right now?

There is always a big stack of books on my nightstand. At the moment, the pile includes, CHEERFUL MONEY by Tad Friend, SUCH A PRETTY FACE by Cathy Lamb, THE PROBLEM OF PAIN by C.S. Lewis, THE WHOLE IN OUR GOSPEL by Richard Stearn, and VELVA JEAN LEARNS TO DRIVE by Jennifer Niven.

Do you have any upcoming titles you're working on?

I’m putting the finishing touches on my fourth Cobbled Court book, THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE. It will be out on May 28, 2011. As soon as I deliver that (very probably the next day), I’ll begin work on another book.

What else would you like to add?

Readers have been asking for audio versions of my books for years and I’m thrilled to tell you that they’re almost here! An audio version of A SINGLE THREAD, will be out on October 1. The others will be available shortly after. You can order them from Blackstone Audio at www.blackstoneaudio.com

Where can we find your books?

You can find my books at any independent or chain bookstore. If they don’t have the book you want in stock, the booksellers can order them for you quickly. Alternatively, you can order my books from any online book retailer and in e-versions for Nook, Kindle, Sony E-reader, etc.

Any other links?

Come on over to my website, www.mariebostwick.com to learn more about my books or to read an excerpt. If you register as one of my Reading Friends, you’ll have access to special content, be entered in my monthly contest, and be able to download fun freebies including recipes and quilt patterns.

Marie is doing a bit of jet-setting today, but do leave a comment for her to read later.  Every comment you leave during the Author Party gives you an entry in the Amazon gift card giveaway.