Serious Wednesday: Historical Author Kathleen Rouser visits today!

Thanks so much for joining me on Sunnybank Secrets.

Thank you for having me as your guest, Carole.

What started you on your writing journey?

Like many authors, I wanted to be a writer from a young age. I remember having imaginary adventures with my friend, Laurie, when I was only four or five. And my mother gave me a love of books as she read to me every day. Because of those things I wanted to write stories before I could even read.

My favorite teacher, Mrs. Williams, wrote on one of my papers: “Kathy is a good writer” when I was in third grade. This encouraged me. In sixth grade, we had to write our own books. I wrote a mystery,

modeled on the Nancy Drew series, with the title The Beast with the Glowing Fingers. My English

teacher wrote “Exciting to the very end!” at the end of my book which pleased me greatly.

Then there was my late and much older brother, John, who himself was a non-fiction author. When I

was a young adult, he took me to a couple of writer’s conferences. All of these people and

circumstances propelled me toward writing.

In my early twenties and through my thirties, I got busy with caring for my children, homeschooling

them, and caring for my elderly parents. However, I never lost the dream to write and eventually I

was able to apply myself to writing novels and trying to get published.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

I like to read all kinds of books from romance, historical and contemporary, to suspense, and

speculative. I definitely have a soft spot for sweet romance. One book I read a couple of years ago

which was historical and a speculative, Once Beyond a Time by Ann Tatlock. Not many books

keep me up at night reading to the end but this one did!

Which character in your newest release most interested you while you wrote? Why?

It was interesting writing Natalie Brooks’s character, or as she is first called, “Mallory,” since she can’t remember her name. Natalie had amnesia due to a head injury during a shipwreck. Stories about

amnesia have always fascinated me. Trying to get into her mind to capture the fear and uncertainty

was a challenge, but it also gave her a clean slate to explore who she really was and brought growth

into her life.

The other character I enjoyed was Lily Waterson, the hero, Cal’s, little daughter. Her mother had died

shortly after her birth and she longed for a real mama, so when Natalie is rescued and brought to the

lighthouse, she is hopeful. In fact, she tells Natalie when she first meets her that her papa said she

would only get a new mother “if the Great Lakes coughed her up.” The honesty and innocence of

children helps bring humor into stories and I had fun writing Lily’s character, using her “help” to get

the hero and heroine together. Also, she is named after a very special pet cat of mine, who we

recently had to put down.

Why do you write in the genre you do?

Part of why I have been writing historical romance lately is because I am a sucker for period piece 

drama. It always fascinates me to see how they portray the way people once lived every day. Despite

all of the limitations in past eras—without the convenience of electricity, indoor plumbing, cars, and

modern medicine—people still succeeded in living out their lives for God and learning lessons along

the way. And picturing some of the elegant clothing and hairstyles don’t hurt either. Also, I love the

classics such as those written by Jane Austen, George Eliot, and Louisa May Alcott.

However, I have also dabbled in writing contemporary, biblical, and speculative. They all have their

different attractions for me.

What is a favorite memory from your childhood?

In my family, the three of us kids were ten and then eleven years apart, so we grew up almost like

only children. Perhaps that is why my mom had so much patience with me even though she was a

much older mom. I am the youngest, and she was 46 when I was born.

My mom had a good friend named Brownie Crum—for real. Her friend had moved to Florida and I couldn’t remember her, but every night for a while when I was around four, we would play “Let’s go

see Brownie,” in the den before I went upstairs to bed. We would get our pretend luggage together

get on a plane on the sofa, and visit mom’s friend. My mom was very loving and encouraged my love

of imaginative play and making up stories.

Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you. (and why it's special)

Lamentations 3:21-23: Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of

the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each

morning. (NLT)

My husband, Jack, and I have been through some difficult trials and some of our family situations

have led to broken hearts and grief without closure for us. These verses remind me that no matter

how tough things are today, no matter how grim the future looks at times, the Lord pours out His mercy afresh on us every day. His love and faithfulness, undeserved by us, are greater than we could

ever imagine. He is a good God and that kind of God makes no mistakes in allowing the difficulties

in our lives. That kind of God can be trusted and He above any other is worthy of my love and

devotion.

A blurb of your book:

The Great Lakes Lighthouse Brides Collection:

7 Historical Romances Are a Beacon of Hope

to Weary Hearts

Lighthouses have long been the symbol of salvation,

warning sailors away from dangerous rocks and shallow waters.

Along the Great Lakes, America’s inland seas, lighthouses played a vital role in the growth of the nation. They shepherded settlers traveling by water to places that had no roads. These beacons of light required constant tending even in remote and often dangerous places. Brave men and women battled the elements and loneliness to keep the lights shining. Their sacrifice kept goods and immigrants moving. Seven romances set between 1883 and 1911 bring hope to these lonely keepers and love to weary hearts.

The Last Memory by Kathleen Rouser
1899—Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Natalie Brooks loses her past to amnesia, and Cal Waterson, the lighthouse keeper who rescues her didn’t bargain on risking his heart—when her past might change everything.

Buy links:

Amazon: Amazon

Christianbook.com: Christianbook.com

Barnes and Noble: Barnesandnoble.com

About Kathleen:

Rumors and Promises, her first novel about the

Kathleen Rouser is the award-winning author of people of fictional Stone Creek, Michigan, from Heritage Beacon Fiction (LPC Books).

She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Kathleen has loved making up stories since she was a little girl and wanted to be a writer before she could even read. She longs to create characters who resonate with readers and realize the need for a transforming Savior in their everyday lives. Kathleen lives in Michigan with her hero and husband of 37 years, who not only listens to her stories but also cooks for her. She is still working on the elusive task of making the perfect cup of coffee to drink while she writes.

Connect with Kathleen at:

Her website: https://kathleenrouser.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kathleenerouser/

Twitter: @KathleenRouser

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kerouser/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouserkathy/

Thank you for joining me today, Kathy!!

Readers, do check out her book