Blog Tour: The Most Eligible Bachelor!

Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee

Bachelor’s Name, Age, Occupation – Samuel Wheeler, early 20’s, apprentice wagonmaster (and handler of oxen–hence the adorable plush calf in the gift basket, from Colonial Williamsburg!) Visual inspiration: if you can imagine a young, blond Sean Astin, reminiscent of his role of Samwise Gamgee in Lord of the Rings, only decked out in colonial working-man’s wear, with long hair pulled back in a queue, you’d have a good approximation of Sam Wheeler.

A Smith Shoeing an Ox (Dujardin: Wiki)

Story Setting/Era – the Shenandoah Valley, along the Great Wagon Road that ran between Philadelphia PA and Charlotte NC, on the eve of the American Revolution

What makes him so eligible? – his famed, if anonymous, heroism.

Does he want to be eligible, or is it something thrust upon him? – definitely thrust upon him! He’s getting a bit weary of his double life, truth be told …

Mia Wasikowska as Jane Eyre

Who are the ladies contending for the bachelor? – many would love to contend for him, but the only one he has eyes for is Sally (Sarah) Brewster, daughter of an innkeeper along the Great Road. Visual inspiration: Mia Wasikowska as Jane Eyre–the costuming is the wrong era, but the hair and eyes, with that saucy cleft chin, are very reminiscent of Sally.

What must the ladies do to win his hand? (Is it a competition, etc.) – Sally is shocked to find all she really has to do is be herself. With the colonial model of beauty running more to plump and petite, she believes she’s too tall, too thin for attractiveness.

Painting by Wyeth … Sam’s coat?

Inspiration for the story – It all started with the transcript of a colonial wagonmaster’s diary (see link above) which fell into my hands while researching for my first novella, Defending Truth. The diary offered some amazing insights into travel and daily life of the time. Later, as I contemplated the logistics of a person in this occupation leading a double life, all kinds of influences got thrown into the mix: The Scarlet Pimpernel, Zorro, Robin Hood, and even the modern TV series Arrow … 🙂 Yes, I have something of a weakness for stories featuring secret identities!

Please take time to visit the other stops on the tour this week, and to enter our giveaway!

Monday, May 4th
a. Gabrielle Meyer (www.gabriellemeyer.com)
b. Shannon McNear — HERE!

Tuesday, May 5th
a. Gina Welborn — my blog “Shine!” (www.ginawelborn.blogspot.com) — daily spotlights for each story
b. Susanne Dietze ~ Tea and a Good Book (www.susannedietze.blogspot.com)

Wednesday, May 6th
a. Connie Stevens — “Heart Of A Writer” http://conniestevenswrites.com/blog/
b. Cynthia Hickey at Coffee Cups blog http://coffeecupsandcamisoles.blogspot.com/

Thursday, May 7th
a. Amanda Barratt on Erica’s blog. smile emoticon http://coffeecupsandcamisoles.blogspot.com/
b. Gina and Susie ~ Inkwell Inspirations (www.inkwellinspirations.com)

Friday, May 8th
a. Kathleen Y’barbo on Gabrielle’s blog (www.gabriellemeyer.com)
b. Erica Vetsch — Coffee Cups & Camisoles Blog reposting the rafflecopter giveaway and reminding folks the gift basket/signed book giveaway ends soon. http://coffeecupsandcamisoles.blogspot.com/

And don’t forget to enter our huge Gift Basket Giveaway!