Last weekend I received a package in the mail that had me smiling before I even opened it! It was from wonderful debut author Keli Gwyn–an influencer copy of her novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California. Yay!!
Keli has visited Tag(g)lines once before, so for her visit today, we’re doing something a little different…(And be sure to read to the end. Thanks to Keli, we’re doing a fun giveaway!)
The heroine in Keli’s story, widow Elenora Watkins, heads west with her daughter, Tildy. Upon arriving, Elenora meets mulish mercantile owner Miles Rutledge, the man whose partnership offer she’d accepted. When he rejects her because she’s a woman, Elenora sets up her shop—across the street from his. Miles’s mother and Elenora’s daughter take on the role of matchmaker.
You’re in for a treat today, because Tildy has agreed to pay us a visit!
Welcome, Tildy. Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’ve never had anybody interview me before. Mama has been interviewed, though. Sort of, anyway. When we were living back in Omaha, she saw an advertisement from Mr. Rutledge in the newspaper, and she answered it. He asked her lots of questions about running a mercantile. Since she helped Grandpa run his, she knows all about it. That’s why Mr. Rutledge picked her to be his new partner. But he didn’t want her once we got here in El Dorado, just ’cause she’s a woman, so she’s opening her own shop.
Um, Tildy. I asked about you.
Oh, sorry. I’m nine-and-a-half. I want to be ten, because maybe then Mama will let me wear longer skirts. I feel like a little girl with my boots showing. She still treats me like one, but I’m getting real grown up. I can do all kinds of things, but she never lets me try. Maybe now that we’re living here, she won’t be such a scaredy cat.
Back in Omaha, Mama was afraid of all the rough railroad men who used to come in the shop. She made me stay in the backroom or in the house with Grandpa’s grumpy housekeeper when I wasn’t at school. I wasn’t scared, though. I liked hear the men talk about all their adventures ’cause I like adventures.
I heard you had an adventure on your way to El Dorado. Can you tell us about that?
Oh, we did, and it was great fun. An outlaw held up the stagecoach just before we got to town. He had a big black horse and a gun and everything. Mama made me scrunch up in the corner of the coach, but I was able to lean over just so and could see what was going on. Mama actually talked to the outlaw. I didn’t know she could do something like that, but she did.
Then just when things were getting really interesting, two fellers rode up on horseback. They were whooping and hollering something fierce, and they scared the outlaw off. I could tell they were good guys, but Mama wasn’t so sure. Not until the driver said I was right. He told us they’re twins named Tommy and Timmy Talbot. Mama called them boys, but they’re practically grown up. They’re thirteen! And don’t tell Mama I said this, but I think they’re mighty good looking. I liked them, but I don’t think Mr. Rutledge does. I heard him say they’re troublemakers.
That sounds like quite an adventure you had. What can you tell us about Mr. Rutledge?
Mmm. Mr. Rutledge is…wonderful! I got to talk to him first, but I had to promise Mama I wouldn’t be pesky. And I wasn’t. She even said so.
He was real nice to me. He even called me Miss Watkins. It was real hard not to laugh, but I knew Mama’d scold me if I did, so I thought about Grandpa’s scowl—he never smiles—and that helped me out. Then I told Mr. Rutledge I’m only nine-and-half. That’s not old enough to be Miss Watkins, so I said he could call me Tildy.
Mr. Rutledge is real tall. And he’s handsome. Mama thinks so, too, but she sure didn’t like saying it when I asked her. Her cheeks got all rosy, and she wouldn’t look at him. If she did, she’d have seen his eyes sparkle. They do that sometimes when he’s happy. He’s got nice eyes, too. They’re as blue as mine. And he’s got dark hair and a moustache and he wears fine clothes. He’s a real gentleman. I think Mama would like him if she tried. But all she ever does is think about her precious shop. I’ll be glad when she finally gets it open and things settle down so we can have some fun. I like having fun.
It’s been fun having you here with us, Tildy. Just so you know, you’re the first nine-year-old to ever stop by! Thanks for answering my questions. Do you have a question you’d like to ask us?
Really? You’d let me do that? That’s mighty nice of you. Let me see. I need to think of a real good one. I like candy, so I could ask you about that. Peppermint sticks are my favorite, and Mr. Rutledge likes lemon drops.
No. Wait. I know something I like even better than candy. I like reading the wanted posters at the sheriff’s office and learning all about outlaws and such. I dream of catching one someday and getting my name in the paper. Have you ever had your name in the paper? If you have, what did you do to get it in there?
Giveaway Information: Since Tildy likes peppermint sticks, Keli is offering a peppermint prize package. Thanks so much, Keli!! Just leave a comment to enter. I’ll use a random number generator to determine the winner next Monday at 5 p.m.
Keli Gwyn writes stories that transport readers to the 1800s, where she brings historic towns to life, peoples them with colorful characters, and adds a hint of humor. A California native, she lives in the Gold Rush-era town of Placerville at the foot of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. Her debut novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives, will be released in July 2012.
When Keli’s fingers aren’t hovering over the keyboard of her newfangled laptop, she enjoys strolling past stately Victorian houses in her historic town, burying her nose in reference books as she unearths interesting facts to include in her stories, and interacting with other romance readers. Her favorite places to visit are her fictional worlds, the Coach factory outlet store, and Taco Bell.
Connect with Keli:
Website – http://www.keligwyn.com
Facebook Timeline – http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwyn
Facebook Page – http://www.facebook.com/KeliGwynReadersGroup
Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/KeliGwyn
Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5411901.Keli_Gwyn
Comments 47
Melissa, thanks so much for inviting me back to Tag(g)lines and for interviewing Tildy. When she heard she got to be your guest, she was so happy she was sure she just might pop. She’s looking forward to hearing what your visitors have to say in response to her question, and since she’s a bit of a chatterbox, she just might chime in.
Yay, it’s so fun having you here again, Keli. I love it! And I love Tildy and her responses to everyone. How fun. I’m so excited to see you and your book around the blogosphere, too…fun times!
Oh, and to answer Tildy’s question, I was a reporter for three and a half years, so my name has been in the paper p-l-e-n-t-y. 🙂
This is great – I loved meeting Tildy:) And thanks to your recommendation last week, I’m starting this book, so it was fun to hear more about it from this viewpoint.
Yes, Tildy, my name’s been in the paper! Only not nearly as exciting as outlaws. When I was four years old they took my picture at my local library because I was there so often and read so much. That was my mom’s favorite place to go:)
Tildy asked if she could reply to your comment, so here she is. . .
Good morning, Miss Susan,
I hope it’s all right if I call you that. I’m supposed to use your last name since you’re a grown up, but I don’t know it.
You got to have your picture taken when you were only four? That is exciting! I have never had a photograph of me taken. I want to one day, but I know I’ll have to sit real still and not smile, ’cause it takes so long for a photograph to be made. Mama says she doesn’t think I could sit still that long, but I could if I try real hard.
Reading is fun, isn’t it? I like to read. I read a story about a jumping frog named Dan’l Webster. A man named Mark Twain wrote it. He writes real good. Mama says he used to write for newspapers but is working on a book now. Have you ever heard of him?
Oh yes, I have heard of–and read–Mark Twain:) Reading is still on of my most favorite things. It’s been such a pleasure to meet you, Tildy!
Thanks so much for letting her reply Keli, and I cannot wait to dig farther into your book:)
What a fun interview!! I love your creativity, Mel and Keli. So cute.
I got a fun surprise when I returned from my cruise–Keli’s book! I can’t wait to read it. Hoping to start it soon, soon, soon.
And yep, my name’s in the paper, Tildy. I’ve had several bylines and also was in a small local paper when I starred in a community theater musical. 🙂 I’m sure you’ll get your name in the paper someday (though hopefully not for being an outlaw, wink).
Tildy wants to respond to your comment, Lindsay, so here she is. . .
Good morning, Mrs. Harrell,
You got to sing in the theater? That sounds like lots of fun. You must have a beautiful voice. Did you have to paint your face when you did it? Mama used to talk about the painted ladies who sang in the saloons back in Omaha? I never got to see one, but I wanted to. I wonder if they looked like Indians with war paint? Do you know?
I want to catch an outlaw and get my name in the paper for being brave. I am brave. Lots braver than Mama. Are you brave?
What a fun interview. I can tell I’m going to like Tildy a lot! I just began reading. She’s a brave young girl!
My name was in the paper for soccer a lot as a kid, then for various volunteering projects, speaking at Young Life, then for writing as an adult.
~ Wendy
Wow, Wendy! You’re a real celebrity! That’s way cool.
I didn’t know you were involved in Young Life. Gwynly volunteered with them for a number of years before I met him. He went on staff with them back in the early 80s and served as a missionary to U.S. teens whose parent was stationed in Germany. It’s a great organization. We help support the local club.
Loved meeting Tildy…on my way to check out Keli’s book.
I’ve had my name in the paper as a potter and as a writer, even got to be on TV once. lol.
A TV appearance, Pat? That’s awesome!
How neat that your paper featured your work as a potter. Are you still into sculpting?
Okay, just have to mention–I’ve done a number of TV interviews for my current job. Usually they’re planned ahead of time. But once we got a media call and my boss asked me to take the interview. I was wearing a stained t-shirt and cut-off shorts. Peachy. Just peachy. Thankfully, I was able to talk the cameraman into doing a close-up–not normally my favorite, but in that case, plenty warranted. 🙂
Too funny, Melissa! I hated being on TV.
Yes, Keli, I’m still into pottery, although I do little sculpting. Mostly hand building, throwing on wheel and making jewelry.
Melissa,
How cool to be a TV star. Well, sort of. 🙂
I can understand your consternation at being asked to do an interview while not looking your best clothing-wise. I’m sure you did great with the close-up, though. You’re one lovely young lady! And you’ve got an awesome personality!
Pat,
I’m glad you’re able to enjoy your creative outlets. Sounds like fun.
Hello Tildy, Melissa & Keli! I’m still smiling from the interview. 🙂
I’ve had my name in the paper a lot – and as a matter of fact, I have a newspaper reporter coming to my house at 2:00 p.m. today to interview my children and my nieces and nephews because they are coordinating a fundraiser to bring a zebra to our local zoo! A couple of weeks ago I was in there with my children in a picture of all of us riding our bikes to help promote a historic bike ride. My mom is the mayor and used to be the director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, so I think my children think it’s normal to be in the newspaper because we’re in it all the time! (They are also on a billboard on the highway and they’re featured in the visitor guide – they make inexpensive models!)
Gabrielle,
How cool! You’re a family of celebrities! Models and a mayor, too! It must be neat to have pictures of you and your kids appear in the paper with such regularity. And a billboard? Wow! Just wow! I’d love to see a picture of that. Any chance you’d post it on FB?
Next time I’m heading down the highway I’ll try to get a picture! I’ve had a handful of friends call me on their cell phones when they’re out on the highway and say: “Did I just see your girls on the billboard south of town?!?!” 🙂
Gabrielle, thanks for sharing the pic. Saw it on FB. It’s great!!!
Tildy sounds great!!! We would have been friends. LOL Thanks for the interview. I have this book waiting on my bookshelf (yay!!). I’ve had my name in the paper for little stuff. I used to write for the paper so…yeah. 🙂
Jessie,
I didn’t know you were a journalist. That’s great. My degree is in mass communication/print journalism. I had lots of front page articles in college, but I never worked for a “real” paper.
Another former reporter! Sweet!
I love Tildy! This interview was such fun. I’ve had my name and my picture in the paper because I teach in a very specialized field and while the programs are growing, the teacher supply is not.
Tildy will be in the paper some day. Probably collecting the reward for one of those outlaws on the wanted posters!
Dawn,
Another celebrity! I’m so impressed. How cool that you get to represent your field in the paper.
What a fun interview! You’re a hoot, Tildy. 🙂
Stacy,
I’ll pass along your compliment to Tildy. She’ll appreciate it, I’m sure. 🙂
Fun interview!
I’m reading the book and just love Tildy!
Loree,
I’m glad you’re enjoying the story–and so is Tildy. 🙂
Tildy, you are precious! I really enjoyed reading your interview–you are wise to be so young. ~ When I had to retire from my teaching job five years ago (because of major back problems) my picture was in the newspaper then. My school gave me a lovely retirement reception so our local newspapers featured my picture and an article about my retirement–I was surprised and humbled!
CatMom (aka Patti Jo),
I’ll pass on the compliment to Tildy. 🙂
How neat that your colleagues threw such a lovely party in your honor and that your local papers featured it. Clearly you are well loved and are missed by your fellow teachers.
Fun! My name used to be in the newspaper every week because I was a reporter for the paper. 🙂 I was also in the paper a lot when I was in high school because my hometown is tiny. You pretty much got your name in the paper for doing anything. LOL.
Julie,
Another reporter! That’s awesome. Not surprising, though, since writing is writing and we love it so. I’m sure the townspeople were thrilled for you when your first book was published. I hope you made the front page for that!
Another former reporter! I love it!
Hey Melissa! We all missed you at Village Creek! tubing wasn’t the same! 🙂 I have never been in the paper but my friend has. she was actually at a garage sale when she met a reporter. The reporter was bored and decided to do an article about my friend. my friend makes pretty much anything with duck tape. so she sells the stuff she makes and gives the money to an organization. loved the new idea of interviews! it was fun! hope we can see you soon!
Mikaela,
What a fun story about your friend. And what a unique art form she’s chosen. I’ve never heard of a duct tape artist before. I’d be interested in seeing her creations. Does she sell her work online?
Mikaela!! How cool to have a comment on here from you. I was so bummed about not getting to Village Creek. I was hoping to at least get up there on the Fourth of July, but it just didn’t work out. 🙁 I was sad. But I thought of you all numerous times throughout the week…and I missed tubing too!!!
Haha, I love that the reporter who did the story on your friend was bored…that’s hilarious . And, um, I actually remember times, back when I was reporting, just driving around looking for things to take pictures of.
Hope I get to see you soon, too! I miss all of you!!
What a delightful interview, Tildy. I’m reading all about you and your momma and Mr. Rutledge right now! And I think you are just delightful.
And yes, I’ve had my name in the paper — as a byline because I used to be a journalist and whenever one of my articles was published, they’d put my name with it. I always liked that part.
😉
Yay, another fellow journalist. 🙂 I’m reading about Tildy and company too. It’s killing me not to be able to read it all in one sitting!!
Beth,
It’s such fun to see all the journalists here. What a great group.
I’ll pass on your compliment to Tildy. She’ll appreciate it.
Another fellow journalist here, so yes, I’ve had my name in the paper plenty! But, to be fair, I had it in there before I worked at the paper – for awards and such in school. This book sounds like a great read!
Melissa,
Another journalist! Wow! You could form some kind of a club or something: From Bylines to Book Covers. 🙂
Very fun interview. I’ve never had my name in the paper.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
bn,
I hope you do see your name in the paper one day.
What a fun interview! I’m loving Elenora’s and Miles’s story, so it was fun to see it from Tildy’s point of view. 🙂
Sarah,
Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying the story.
What a cute interview, Keli and Melissa (and Tildy ;))
I think the one time I got my photo in the paper was when I was in elementary school, the local paper came to take a photo of kids waving flags for Memorial Day–I was one of the kids the school chose to include in the photo. I don’t recall if they included our names in the caption or not 😉
f dot chen at comcast dot net
F Chen,
What a great reason to be in the paper. I’m guessing your mom bought lots of copies of that issue.