Hey there,
I hope it’s not too late to say, “Happy New Year!” Here’s wishing we all stay healthy and get back to life ‘somewhat’ the way it used to be.
You may or may not already know me—from a church or school we have in common, or maybe we met at an event—whichever, I’m just so glad to connect with you! Since this is only the 2nd newsletter I’ve sent out, I think I should tell you about myself.
I’m a ‘baby boomer,’ a mom of six kiddos, ten grandkids, and several great-grands. I share my life with my number-crunching accountant hubby in Round Rock, TX—I’ll always be a TX girl—where I write, play tennis, design flowers, and keep up with my loved ones from around the country. Now that includes you!
Writing has been a vital part of my life, whether creating, teaching, singing, or coordinating in various jobs and business ventures. I’ve written for several local magazines, been published in chapbooks, placed in contests, and learned from conferences, online courses, evening classes, and webinars. I’m a poem-penner and have several books half-written.
But, you know, dear friend, I never thought I could finish a full-length book, so those half-written books have stayed in my file drawers. But in this “Bucket List” phase of my life, I’m going all out to see what I can do if I believe!
So, I’m thrilled to announce my debut novel, Etch of a Promise, Book 1 of The Sawdust Legacy series. It’s a historical fiction love story set in 1880s Germany, to be released in early ’22. I’ve worked hard for this book to be historically accurate—and still enjoyable—so I’ve wound the facts of living in that era of time into a fiction story.
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Nicklaus, a traveling carpenter, comes to Cologne, Germany, to study architecture. His career is his top priority, so he won’t let himself get involved. But he begins to learn that love is more important than success when he meets Maria, whose past has left her with anxiety, distrust, and self-hatred. They begin to navigate through their stubborn personalities until an accusation brings their integrity into question. Everything Nicklaus has worked for is jeopardized. The Komitee of the Carpenters’ Union will decide if he can be certified.
Etch of a Promise chronicles the everyday struggles of European immigrants—why they left their homeland, how they survived a 2-week ocean voyage, and the challenges of adapting to America’s culture. This story is likely similar to your own family’s history.
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Etch of a Promise is the first book in the Sawdust Legacyseries and spans the 1880s to the 1940s. From Germany & immigration to ‘turn-of-the-century’ Chicago; stagecoach travel & West Texas,
tuberculosis sanitoriums, the Mexican War & polio; finally the Depression and the Roaring Twenties! Whew, that’s a lot of exciting stuff in every book!
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A book without readers is a lonely story if you ask me! You’ll love the first chapter and the life of a wandering journeyman! If you want to share it with a friend, just send them to my website to sign up for it — www.rubymoseley.com/. Thanks so much for your interest! I’d love to hear what you think of the story!
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Reading historical fiction helps me understand the drama of people’s lives from the past. Our heritage from previous generations is the life we live now because of their sacrifices. That’s why I want to share another good read in historical fiction with you.
Across Five Aprils is an excellent historical fiction book that will inspire you deeply, just as it did me. It’s a classic–the tale of a Southern boy growing up during the Civil War era. It’ll bless your socks off! Plus, I like that it’s a short book. :>)
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How about a fun historical fact? Public transportation was four-legged! Yep, they were called horsebuses or omnibuses. But, you had to watch after you got off that you didn’t step in horse poop! Nicklaus and Maria ride them quite a bit to get to the Festival in Book 1 and to the Berlin State Opera House in Book 2.
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Dear {$name}, I hope you enjoyed this newsletter!
‘Writerly Wramblings’ will come to your inbox once a month. Next month—if you’re game for it—I’d love your feedback on cover design. There might be a time when your opinion on some story point will help. That would be so special for me!
Let me hear about you and how you’re faring during this ‘new normal!’ You can send me a comment on the ‘About Ruby’ page on the website. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Warm wishes and big hugs, Ruby