Hey there!

February is about to end. It’s the shortest month of the year, (and if you can explain that I’ll buy you a steak dinner!) Whoo, confusion! Life goes on and the calendar pages come off, but whatever the day or month, I’m thrilled to connect with you here!

This is our 3rd newsletter, so I must explain something:

We’re under construction, so please pardon the mess.

I’m snagging this common sign to explain any possible flubs in the recent newsletters: misspelled names, typos, and other faux pas. I humbly accept all your gracious “Oh, don’t worry about it” comments. You’re so sweet. :>)

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My debut novel, Etch of a Promise, is a historical fiction love story set in 1880s Germany. It should be released in a few months. I’ve worked hard to make this book historically accurate—and yet, still enjoyable—so I wound the facts of living in that era of time into a fiction story, with character arcs, a plot, and a love story.

Nicklaus, a traveling carpenter, comes to Cologne, Germany, riding on a velocipede to study architecture. His career is his top priority—becoming a Master Carpenter—so he can’t let himself get involved. But he begins to understand that love is more important than success. He meets Maria, whose past has left her with anxiety, distrust, and self-hatred. They begin to navigate a relationship, but with their stubborn personalities, it doesn’t look like it will work. Then, a brutal attack and an accusation bring their relationship into question. Maria disappears, and Nicklaus watches his career be jeopardized by a hearing of the Carpenters’ Union Komitee.

Etch of a Promise chronicles the everyday struggles of European immigrants—reasons they left their homelands, the ordeal of their 2-week ocean voyage, and adapting to America’s culture. I’m motivated by thinking that your own family’s history may be similar.

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Here’s a fun historical fact—what was the velocipede? A previous model, the ‘swiftwalker’, designed by Karl von Drais, allowed a rider to walk the bike, then lift his feet down inclines. Later, a French family invented the ‘velocipede,’ which allowed a rider to pedal to propel himself. Every part of it was made of wood and a metal rim fit the wooden tires. Nicknamed ‘the boneshaker, it wasn’t popular either—the rider felt every bump of the road! (www.mortaljourney.com)

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If we’re new friends, perhaps I should tell you a bit about me. I’m a ‘baby boomer’ stay-at-home mom of six kiddos. I have ten grandkids and several great-grandkids. I share life with a number-crunching accountant named Bob in our Round Rock, TX home. When I’m not writing, I play tennis, design flowers, and try to keep up with my loved ones that are scattered around the country.

Writing has always been a part of my life, even when dabbling in other careers, such as dress designing, music teaching, singing jazz professionally, or coordinating volunteers, public relations, while the kids were in school. Also, I’ve written grants, magazine articles, blog articles. I’ve been published in poetry chapbooks and placed in contests. And anytime I could squeeze in an online course, conference, class, or webinar—I improved my craft.

But, my friend, I just didn’t think I could finish a full-length book, so I filed away many half-written stories and submission rejection letters. But I’m going all out to accomplish this “Bucket List” item of Etch of a Promise. Your interest gives me so much encouragement! I can’t wait till it’s printed—which will be in spring—so you can read it!

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I love reading historical fiction because it helps me appreciate the lives that people from the past lived. The sacrifices of previous generations—our ancestors—have formed this life we now live! I’d like to share a good book with you occasionally.

Until We Reach Home, is one such novel that inspired me—how three sisters escaped a dangerous relative after their parents die. Somehow, they find the courage and means to flee to America and find love and a home. (written by Lynn Austin, Bethany House Publishers.)

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My friend, I hope you enjoyed this month’s ‘Writerly Wramblings’, which will come to your inbox once a month. In the future, it would be special to have your input on a story point or the cover design.

A book without readers is a lonely story. I’d be honored if you’d share the first chapter with a friend. Just send them to my website, www.rubymoseley.com/, where they can sign up.

Warm wishes and big hugs,

Ruby