The Brentwood Saga, by Elizabeth Meyette

by Angela Smith | Jul 17, 2017 | Guests

Today, we have Elizabeth Meyette answering some fun interview questions and telling us about her newest release, The Brentwood Saga, which includes 2 of her historical romances for one low price!

Thanks for inviting me to be your guest today, Angela.

Thanks for coming! I can’t wait to get started! First question is: What intrigues you about your book?
I’m intrigued that Love’s Destiny, the first book in The Brentwood Saga, ever was written. I never intended to become a writer. Years ago, my friend wanted me to read her Kathleen Woodiwiss historical romance novels. I waved her off several times saying, “I don’t read romance,” then I finally relented. Halfway into Shanna, I was hooked. I devoured all the novels she gave me. But I didn’t want her to “win,” so when I returned the books, I sniffed (I’m sure I did) and said, “These were good, but I could write a romance novel” (Oh, the hubris of the uninitiated.) She said, “Then do it!” I said, “Okay, I will!” Then I had to follow through. If she had never encouraged…rather, dared me…I probably would not be an author today.

Wow, that is intriguing, and I’m definitely glad she inspired and challenged you. What was your favorite part of writing your book?
Probably my favorite part of writing is when my characters surprise me. They often introduce themselves, already named. And if I try to change their names for any reason, they get a bit huffy and won’t continue telling me their stories. Also, if they “show” me a scene and I don’t like it and refuse to write it, they go on strike. Sometimes they appear in the most interesting places. For example, in Love’s Spirit, I was writing a scene where there was a knock on the door, and I had no idea who it was. Turns out, it was a secondary character from earlier in the story whom I didn’t even know would reappear in the book.

What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
I love getting so lost in a novel that if it’s raining in the story, when I put the book down, I’m surprised that, in real life, the sun is actually shining. Sometimes I even live with the emotions of the characters I’m reading about, so if the protagonist is sad, so am I until I mentally “exit” the book for a while.

That’s always a great experience, and I love reading books that bring that out in us. Are you a plotter, a pantser, or both?
I am a post-pantser plotter. What??? Yes, I am a pantser, but I create a spreadsheet with a column for each chapter. After I’ve written a chapter, I fill in its column on the spreadsheet with a phrase that explains each scene in that chapter. So, I do not plot out my entire novel, but I keep track of what’s going on which helps tremendously when I am revising. Before I start my novel, I have a clear picture of the opening and closing scenes, from there it’s a toss-up how I get from point A to point B. Even when I try to plot, my characters chuckle kindly and do whatever the heck they want.

What a great idea! Do you have a certain theme in all of your novels?
I think the overarching theme in my historical romances is the power of love in facing down danger. In my upcoming novel, Love’s Courage, I have this quote from Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu: “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” I think that theme is echoed through all the books in The Brentwood Saga.

In my mysteries, there’s the theme of the search for one’s own truth. Jesse Graham is a self-avowed agnostic who can’t help praying when she’s in a crisis and whose best friend is a Catholic nun. Also, while Jesse tries to ignore the ghosts who call on her for help, she begins to realize that she has what her Italian friend calls “the gift,” though she calls it a curse. Gradually she begins to accept that she is a “ghost empath.”

Do you ever use your life experiences in your novels?
I’ve used life experiences more in my mysteries than in my historical romances. For example, Jesse is afraid of mice and spiders. In the opening scene of The Cavanaugh House she has an experience that I could hardly write because it freaked me out so. Also, I attended Catholic schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade, so scenes at St. Bartholomew’s Academy for Girls was a little walk down memory lane for me. By the way, most of the nuns who taught me were wonderful, and I have no stories of having my knuckles rapped with a ruler…though my brother does. And he probably deserved it.

What great experiences to share! If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one book with you, what would you take?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I taught that book for many years in American Literature, and I never tired of reading it.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one song with you, what would you take?
“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey because I never have.

A great song! Are you working on any projects right now?
I’ve just sent Love’s Courage to my editor and hope to release it soon. Now I must decide whether to continue my Finger Lakes Mysteries series or jump into a new genre and write a contemporary romantic suspense that’s been tickling my brain. I have started both, so we’ll see whose voice is louder—Maggie’s or Leila’s.

Good luck with both! Do you see writing as a career?
It already is.

Have you traveled to any locations that appear in your books?
Rich and I visited Williamsburg, VA last fall so I could do research for Love’s Courage. My daughter’s friend is an actor/interpreter there and was our personal guide for two days. #heaven. Last January while in New York City for a writers’ conference, Rich and I had lunch at Fraunces Tavern where George Washington bid farewell to his officers at the end of the American Revolution. The original building still stands.

I was born and raised in upstate New York and visited and lived in the Finger Lakes region, so I’m very familiar with the setting for my mysteries. When we go back to Rochester to visit my family, Rich and I often visit the scene of The Cavanaugh House.

Sounds fun! Can you share a tip about what you do when you get stuck in your writing?
I walk away. Literally. Sitting there pounding the keyboard gets me nowhere. If I go for a long walk with no ear buds plugged in, more often than not, my head clears and a problem starts to untangle or something I’d never thought of pops into my head.

Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?
Elizabeth Gilbert or Anne Lamott. I worship at their author altars.

So let’s hear more about Elizabeth Meyette’s books!

Releases Today for 99 Cents!

Against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War, a patriot and a loyalist must learn to trust among the lies and deceptions to find true love. This action-packed historical saga is now available as a value-priced collection.

Love’s Destiny: When Emily Wentworth’s father dies, her appointed guardian Jonathon Brentwood arrives at her home in London to take the strong-willed seventeen-year-old with him to the colonies. It’s her one chance at a new life, but Jonathon’s involvement in patriot activity against England disturbs—and threatens—Emily, a loyal subject of the king. Can they find a way to mend their divided politics, or will Emily learn too late that love is more precious than being right?

Love’s Spirit: Emily Brentwood is overjoyed to learn her husband escaped his British captors and is still alive. She clings to his promise to be with her for the birth of their baby, and no British officer who attempts to rape her or enemies who try to kill her can shake her belief in a happily ever after ending. Until a thread from Jonathon’s past emerges and he must betray her to ensure her safety. Can love’s spirit triumph over the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart amid the danger and lies?

How can readers discover more about you and you work?
I love it when readers connect with me. Here are the many ways:
Website | Blog | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

My books are available at
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo| Simon & Schuster

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.

It was my pleasure. Thank you, Angela!