Anne Greene loves writing historical and suspense novels, with wounded heroes and gutsy heroines. After graduating from the University of Texas, Dallas, cum laude, with a degree in Literary Studies, she was blessed with wanderlust and has traveled extensively across the U.S. and internationally. A few of her books have been set in exotic locations, like the American Virgin Islands and Istanbul, Turkey.
She is a member of the Christian Authors Network (CAN) and is participating in this week’s Catch Us If You CAN Scavenger Hunt. Anne and her husband, Larry, a retired Army Special Forces Colonel, reside in Texas.
What sparked your writing journey?
My two children were in school and as a stay-at-home mom I needed to discover what God wanted me to do with the extra time. I had always wanted to write, but never thought I had the talent. My late husband urged me to go to a nearby writing conference/workshop. In order to attend the conference I needed to have three chapters written. So I wrote three chapters in the two weeks before conference and attended.
Every writer had an automatic appointment with the editor in attendance. I was so green I didn’t even know why I would talk with an editor. During my appointment the editor asked if I could finish those three chapters in nine months. I said sure. Ha, I didn’t know how long it took to write a book.
I did write the book and the editor did publish the book. I took this as God wanting me to embark on a writing career. God gave me the right subject for the right time. I now have four published books and my agent is shopping several other proposals to publishers.
How does your faith play into your work?
I never considered writing for the secular market. I wanted to share my faith and the spiritual lessons I’ve learned in my life journey. Plus, I refuse to influence women to have sex outside of marriage. Since I’m a seat-of-the-pants writer, my characters decide what spiritual problems they have and how they are resolved. Going into writing a book, I never know what the spiritual issues will be.
Let’s talk about Marriage by Arrangement (White Rose Publishing, November 2013). Please tell us about it.
This is a stand-alone book that is second in the Scottish Marriage Trilogy. The book takes place in 1746, days following the Battle of Culloden that transformed the Highlands from thriving communities into a wasteland.
Lady Cailin MacMurry marries the Fifth Duke of Avondale, honoring the arranged marriage her parents ordered to protect them from the war. She determines to make her marriage happy and successful, unlike that of her parents. But Avondale’s shadowy past and strange disappearances threaten their union. Each change of clothes transforms him into a different man.
Can Cailin discover Avondale’s dark secret, or to protect the castle from danger and to protect her unborn child, must she arrange his accidental death?
Cailin and Avondale entered a marriage covenant. He has a great secret. She must make an impossible choice. Marriage By Arrangement is tied for first place in the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for Published Writers contest. Winner will be announced in April.
How exciting. I understand a personal adventure was the catalyst for the story. Please tell us about that.
Yes, my husband and I spent three glorious weeks in Scotland. We fell in love with the country, the people and their history. I walked the battlefield in Culloden were the flower of Highland warriors, along with their old men and their boys as young as twelve were killed by the English. After the battle, the wounded Highlanders were murdered by English soldiers. Those that escaped were hunted down, hung on the spot or sent as slaves to The Colonies. The battlefield so moved me, I had to tell the story.
Sometimes God sends us down an unexpected path—one that ultimately blesses us despite it being different than what we had planned. Have you ever experienced such a “divine detour”?
Yes, and it was a difficult detour. Not long after Moody Bible Institute published my first book, Trail of Tears, my dear husband died. As a widowed mother, I gave up writing to support my two young children. In the course of time, I met and married my husband and gained two more children. With all the adjusting, raising four children, and working as a real estate agent I did not return to writing for a number of years.
A few fun questions…
When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?
Oh, I try really hard not to eat comfort food. Anyone who knows writers realizes after spending eight to ten hours a day at a computer, we all fight spreading rears. My biggest problem as a writer is finding time to exercise. So my rule is, no exercise—no goodies!
When I celebrate I get a massage!
This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?
I am blessed to sing in our church’s one hundred fifty voice choir. I read music well, but I’m no soloist. My joy is using the voice I have to praise the Lord. We have numerous soloists, music teachers, and music majors in our choir. Singers come to us from all over the Dallas/Ft Worth Metroplex. We also have a full orchestra. I always wanted to play the violin, and perhaps one day I will. The Lord has been so good in this area of my life. I have a great appreciation of music.
If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?
A song of praise to the Lord.
In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?
Interesting question that only a fellow writer would ask. I would never say I’m the super heroine—that’s my daughter. Sometimes I do hide behind dark glasses. But I think I’m more the strong, female lead who has a tendency to stumble and get into scrapes. I depend on God to carry me through.
I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.
Oh, this is a tender spot with me. I lost my sweet Lhasa Apso last August and am still mourning him. I’d love to get another companion dog, but my dear husband plans to do a lot of travelling and wants to wait to get another dog. However, if the Lord sends a stray dog who needs a home, I’ll sure give him one.
Thank you, Anne! It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.
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For more information about Anne, visit her website or her blog.
To purchase Marriage by Arrangement, logon to:
Kathy, thanks so very much for allowing me to visit with your readers on your lovely blog. I appreciate you.
Anne, it was great getting to know you better!
Anne, I’m sorry for your painful “detour” you experienced, but you’ve set a strong example to keep plugging on, following where God leads us. I wish you all the best.
Kathy, another fine interview!
Elaine, you’re always a blessing and an inspiration.
Hi Elaine, thank you for your kind words.