Interview with Tammy Lowe, author of THE ACADIAN SECRET

By: Meradeth Houston on 3:30 AM

I have another awesome author here with me today, with a great sounding novel you should all check out! (And, yes, I'm still in spotty web connection land, so I do apologize if I've dropped off the map!)

Elisabeth London is keeping her new friends a secret from her parents.  Not only do they live on the other side of the world in the Scottish Highlands, they lived more than three hundred and fifty years ago. Her mom and dad would never allow her to go gallivanting about seventeenth century Scotland.  They won’t even let her go to the mall by herself yet.

Twelve-year-old Elisabeth is old enough to know there is no such thing as magic, but when her quartz crystal necklace has the power to transport her back and forth in time, she no longer knows what to think.  The only thing she is certain of is that she loves spending carefree days with Quinton, the mischievous nephew of a highland warrior, and sassy little Fiona, a farmer’s daughter.  

However, Elisabeth’s adventures take a deadly turn when she is charged with witchcraft.  At a time and place in history when witch-hunts were common, those found guilty were executed, children included. Elisabeth must race to find her way back home, while trying to stay one step ahead of the witch-hunter determined to see her burned at the stake.  

Hi Meradeth,

Thanks for having me on your blog.

(Q) I think it’s pretty safe to say that most writers love reading. What are some of the books that influenced you the most? Anything you’d like to recommend?

I have always loved historical fiction.  As a kid, I loved to read books (and watch shows) like Little House on the Prairie and Anne of Green Gables.  Those types of novels inspired me in every way possible.

I loved anything set in the “olden days”. When I was about ten years old, I began to wonder about time travel.  My biggest wish was that I’d end up back in the pioneer era.  I wanted to go and hang out with spoiled Nellie Olsen.  I don’t remember why I wished for Nellie over Laura Ingalls, but I think it had something to do with the fact that her parents owned the candy shop.

I had it all figured out.  I didn’t want to live in the 18th or 19th century; I’d miss my family too much. And I can’t live without modern comforts.  I wanted the freedom to travel back and forth through time.

My wish to time travel was so strong; I even dressed the part, as much as I could, without raising anyone’s suspicions.  I wore dresses to school every day, when all my friends wore jeans and t-shirts. I had to be prepared just in case it worked and I was whisked through time. That summer, I even begged my mom to buy me a bonnet. She did. I wore that white bonnet everywhere. If I ended up in Walnut Grove or Avonlea, I was prepared.  

By the sixth grade I was old enough to realize that time travel probably wasn’t going to be a reality for me, so I decided when I grew up, I’d write a story about a girl who could travel back and forth through time.  

(Q) What is your favorite part of the writing process? What about it makes you love it?

My favourite part is the editing and revision process.  That seems to be when all the magic happens.  

(Q) What’s your biggest pet-peeve when it comes to the writing world? Does anything get under your skin and itch?

I find the whole writing and publishing world fascinating.  I am still trying to take it all in and learn as much as I can. No pet peeves yet, but I’m an eternal optimist.   

(Q) If you could meet any writer, living or dead, and pick their brain over coffee/tea/hot-chocolate, who would it be? What would be your first question?

Can I pick three? Pretty please?

I would enjoy a spot of tea with the Charlotte Bronte.  I’d share a bottle of wine with Jane Austen. And, with Lucy Maud Montgomery…a tumbler full of raspberry cordial, of course!

I’d ask Miss Bronte who the inspiration for Mr. Rochester was.  *swoon*

I’d ask Miss Austen if she thought Persuasion was her best work. It’s my favourite.  Yes, over Pride and Prejudice. I know, I know.  

And with dear Miss Montgomery…I don’t know.  I would be speechless. I’d probably sit and stare at her in awe.    

Such wonderful answers! Don't you just love that pic of Tammy in the bonnet? So cool! Here's a bit more about this fabulous author:

Bio:

When she isn't writing, you will either find Tammy Lowe surrounded by little children and covered in glitter and glue, or on some grand adventure: inside an Egyptian pyramid, twirling on an Alp or climbing the Great Wall of China. She's part Mary Poppins, part Indiana Jones.

Tammy lives in Cambridge, Ontario with her husband and their teenage son.

You can find her at www.tammylowe.com