Guest Post and Giveaway: Plantation Nation by Mercedes King

Published: May 27th, 2014

Description:

Sixteen year old Emma Cartwright runs away from her family’s South Carolina rice plantation after a slave is beaten to death. Determined to join the fight against slavery, Emma enlists in the Union Army disguised as a young man. Nothing could prepare her for the sacrifices needed—and for falling in love for the first time.

GUEST POST

A Peek Inside My Office

I know. You’re scared already. Do you really want a peek inside the office of one of those crazy writer-types? Don’t worry, it’s not that bad. And as of this writing, I’m not in any danger of being labeled bland or in the running for an episode of “Hoarders”.

In many ways the office area of a writer is like a work of art. Chances are, the author has accumulated treasures and tokens that adorn his / her desk that have taken years to collect, and most items probably have a story behind them. Considering the time writers spend at their desk, their space also needs to be inspiring. 

So what’s in my office and how does it inspire me?

I’ve found that a lava lamp is essential. It’s not just groovy, baby, but the constant swirl and motion of the wax (is that what that stuff is?) helps your mind move and flow….Sound too Puff the Magic Dragon-ish? Okay, then. I like it because it’s warm, colorful and ever-changing. A bit like the ocean, which can take the imagination anywhere. I love that!

The most romantic element in my office is a poster-sized print of Gustav Klimt’s famous painting, “The Kiss.” I never get tired of seeing it. When was the last time a man’s kiss on the cheek was so loving and passionate that it drove a woman to her knees? I think that’s the kind of love we all want to know.

Always perched on my desk is Ernie the Elephant. About four inches tall, hand-painted glass and the perfect shade of spring green, Ernie was a gift I bought myself during a writing retreat. Of course, that saying that elephants are good luck didn’t escape my attention. And if you’re wondering, yes, his trunk is raised. 

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” One of my favorite sayings, it’s on a printed block and sits near Ernie. For me, those words are fuel for my writing. Anything can happen, and often does. 

A writer’s desk mimics life. You surround yourself with objects that speak to you, inspire you, and cheer you on, much like great friends and loved ones. When you’re in the zone or agonizing through writer’s block, those random items around you can lift your spirits or help you maneuver around rough spots in your manuscripts. Just what a writer needs.

EXCERPT

Emma could no longer raise her head or open her eyes. She tasted her own blood and withered under the sun’s brilliance. Her back and legs throbbed from the lashes with the leather belt. The scent of honeysuckle drifted to her nostrils, but Emma quivered with agony and trepidation. She fought the oblivion that threatened to engulf her¾fearing it was death.

Her heart searched for a prayer or a plea but nothing came. She wanted to cry out for her father, forgetting he was long dead.

Someone snatched a fistful of Emma’s hair and held up her head.

“Look!” Quinn said through gritted teeth. “Look at what you’ve done.” He touched his mouth to her ear. “Ain’t like he didn’t deserve it, though. Worthless wretch.”

Emma tried again to focus on the scene. At first, through the narrow slits of her swollen eyes, all she saw was a row of brown feet, naked and caked with mud past the ankles, a sure sign that rice planting was underway. She couldn’t find or concentrate on their faces now, but she knew that among the clan of thirteen laborers, Basil’s mother and brother were there watching. Fear reverberated from the mass. Children cried and stirred, but no one moved or averted their eyes. George had insisted.

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About the author:

Mercedes King is an Ohio native and founding member of Sisters in Crime Columbus, Ohio (affectionately dubbed SiCCO). With a degree in Criminology from Capital University and a passion for writing, she crafted O! Jackie, a novel focusing on the private life of Jackie Kennedy. She has also written The Kennedy Chronicles, a series of short stories featuring JFK and Jackie before they were married and before 'Camelot'. Mercedes writes in a variety of genres, including historical and mystery / suspense. In fact, she's working on creating a new genre, 'modern historical'.

Her newest release, Plantation Nation, follows the journey of Emma Cartwright, a 16 year old Southern girl who disguises herself as a young man and joins the Union Army.

Visit her sites, OJackiebook.com or Mercedesking.com . Contact her at Mercedes 'at' ojackiebook 'dot' com. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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