I am honored to host author E.V. Sparrow for the Saturday Spotlight. Her story South Dakota Foreman was included in the anthology Heartland Treasures, which, by the way would make a perfect Christmas gift. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at the anthology as well as details about E.V.’s forthcoming release with Celebrate Lit.
Please welcome E.V. Sparrow!
About the Author
Many of my fourteen anthologized short stories stem from experiences abroad. As a Christian historical fiction writer, my stories guide readers to encounter God’s unexpected presence with characters of fragile faith. Witnessing their struggles and triumphs creates a variety of emotions in readers. The most common comment is, “I never know where you’ll take me!”
Do you think God has a sense of humor, and loves creating joy? I do, and infuse my stories with quirky characters doing daily life. This year, Celebrate Lit and I signed a 3-book contract. Hallelujah! My debut Christian historical fiction novel (1866-1919), is laced with engaging characters inspired by my witty Irish family. It’s slated for release December 5, 2023.
Behind the Scenes: About the Anthology Heartland Treasures
The editors and I connected via Facebook in 2019. An author friend in my critique group referred me to their ad for short stories in their Heartland Treasures anthology published in January 2020. I’d been writing short stories for five years, and always searched for new opportunities.
Their Heartland Treasures compilation required stories which took place in our country’s heartland. My grandfather was born and raised in Iowa, then in South Dakota. He was my only connection to that region. Then, I recalled a story he told me when he was in his 90s. His story shocked me, because it didn’t sound at all like the white-haired, reserved, religious man I’d always known.
Kristine Kercher and Jan Verhoeff loved South Dakota Foreman, and hallelujah, they sent me a contract. My critique group told me I’d found my niche. It was my “best story.” It was my thirteenth published story.
I learned so much about fictionalizing true stories, dialogue with an Irish brogue, and enjoyed the project more than anything I’d previously written. The characters and research process catapulted me into writing a three-book historical fiction series inspired by my grandfather, his Irish father, and other relatives.
Last month, I signed a contract for that series with Celebrate Lit! The first book, Muldoon’s Misfortunes, is set to release in August 2024. I’m so excited, and hope all my readers fully enjoy my characters and their wacky misfortunes which lead them to a deeper faith in God.
The Blurb
What is it you like to read? We have collected a delightful selection of stories by a variety of authors to include in our anthology of Heartland Treasures. Whether you’re looking for Historic Romance, a bit of the Old West, a Time Traveler, a Flight of Fancy in a hot air balloon? Or maybe you’d prefer to stroll down memory road? Perhaps, you’d rather meet the regulars at the local diner, or have a pastry at the Bookstore? In all the amazingness of a single book with a delightful, colorful cover indicating something intriguing might be inside, you’ll find all of these and so much more…
The stories in these pages will lull you into the moment, deep into the characters, to a time gone by, or a day yet to come. The thrill of the moment, or a walk along the rails. Your adventure begins on the next page. Let the authors of these stories bring you into their world: John Davis, David Dockter, Oris George, Krystine Kercher, Heidi Kortman, Jude Kandace Laughe, Lisa M. Prysock, E.V. Sparrow, Jan Verhoeff, and Mishael Witty.
You won’t want to miss a single word!
Penny Zeller 