Party week is continuing for début author Keli Gwyn today!
On Monday, I reviewed A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California. Today, I’ve invited a gentleman from the pages of Keli’s wonderful story to step into my parlor for a moment to chat. (Not to worry. This isn’t an etiquette faux pas, as you’re here with me!)
Please accept this cup of cyber punch in Keli’s honor, have a seat, and join me for today’s interview with mercantile owner Miles Rutledge.
Comfy?
Good. Let’s get started…
Good Morning, Mr. Rutledge–Miles. You’re looking very well today, despite the warm temperatures. What would your drink of choice be on a day like today?
Lemonade. Mother’s is tasty—not too sweet, not too tart.
What will you most likely be dining on this evening?
I never know until I leave the mercantile and head for home, but anything Mother fixes is delicious. Since it’s summer, there are sure to be some fresh vegetables. My friends, Will and Pearl DuPree, share their bounty with us.
We understand you’re a fine marksman. Do you have any tips for beginners?
Thank you for the compliment. I’d say the most important thing is to respect your weapon and learn how to use it properly before taking aim. I saw a youngster get his thumb in the way of the hammer once, and it wasn’t a pretty sight.
We’re pleasantly surprised to learn that you’re gifted musically, as well, and have a fondness for a particular instrument. At what age did you learn to play? If you were to play another instrument, what would it be and why?
My Uncle Mortimer back in New York fiddles. The first time I heard him play, I begged him to teach me. It went from there.
As to playing another instrument, I’d like to try my hand at Will’s banjo sometime. It’s a newfangled instrument, I know, but I think it has a bright tone.
Any other hobbies or interests in your free time?
I enjoy working in the yard. Since I spend so much of my day in the mercantile, it’s nice to get outdoors when I can.
In your mercantile, what kinds of items are the most profitable? What do the ladies of your fair town favor?
I sell a lot of the expendables: soap flakes, tooth powder, and the like. I consider them my bread and butter items. They aren’t necessarily the most profitable, but due to the sheer number I sell, they fill the till nicely.
Womenfolk have a propensity for spending money that far exceeds that of a man. I can’t keep enough fabric in stock to satisfy them—or silk stockings. I’ve had more whispered conversations about that one item alone than I can count. While they are quite profitable, I wonder why women are willing to spend so much money on something that doesn’t even show.
When Elenora Watkins initially opens her shop across from yours, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
I’d best choose my words carefully. I have tendency to open my mouth too soon—or so some tell me.
While Mrs. Watkins possesses spunk and an impressive understanding of the business side of things, she seems to think she can waltz into town and have folks flocking to her shop. What the dear lady doesn’t seem to grasp is the fact that her little shop with its scanty wares stands no chance against my well established mercantile filled with merchandise. I’ve been in business fifteen years, and I have the respect and loyalty of the townspeople. I’m afraid Mrs. Watkins is going to lose all her money, and then where will she be?
Mrs. Watkin’s daughter, Matilda–Tildy, takes a shine to you from the very beginning. What qualities do you find most endearing in the child?
Tildy is a delight. She’s bright, fun, and cute as a button. But, oh, can that little lady talk. She pops into my place from time to time, and she’s never at a loss for words. A man couldn’t ask for a more charming visitor.
Just wish Mrs. Watkins didn’t keep such a tight rein on her daughter, though. Tildy needs some room to roam. That girl has a sense of adventure, and she could end up resenting her mama if she’s not allowed to spread her wings.
In your opinion, how important is the matter of faith in a relationship?
I’ve been a follower of Christ since I was a boy in short pants, so I count faith as a vital element in a relationship. My late wife was a believer, and any woman I took a shine to would have to be as well. Not that I’m looking to go courting, you understand.
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Do you play a musical instrument? What instrument would you like to learn to play?
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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 début novel, A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California, set in the heart of the Gold Country where she lives is currently available.
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.
You can connect with Keli on Facebook and Twitter.
Photo Credit of Keli: Sierra Springs Photography
Photo Credit of Miles (lookalike): Supplied by Keli.
A word about the “model” for Miles… According to Keli, Miles’ mustache would have been neatly trimmed. 🙂
And now… Monday’s blog drawing winner is Sue H.! Sue has won a copy of A Bride Opens Shop in El Dorado, California and a $10 Darden’s gift card (good at Red Lobster, Olive Garden, or Longhorn Steakhouse). Please contact me privately with your mailing address, Sue.
Keli has generously offered to give away another copy of A Bride Opens Shop to a random commenter today, and I’m throwing in …. drumroll, please…. a $15 gift card to Panera! You have until midnight tonight to leave a comment on today’s post.
And don’t forget, every time you leave a comment/subscribe to my blog, your name is automatically entered into my end-of-the-month blog drawing, which means next week I’ll be having another giveaway! July’s giveaway is for a $15 Barnes and Noble gift card.
(See the complete list of RULES here–just scroll to the bottom of that post.)
FRIDAY: more Keli, more fun, and another giveaway!)
Blessings Always,
Comments 18
Fun post!
I always wanted to play the violin. Who knows maybe I will still take it up someday. In my younger years, I played the piano, clarinet, flute,and a little guitar – I was much more musical then…than now…I played so many instruments because I couldn’t sing…haha.
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Loree, wow! Talk about gifted! A violin would be right up your alley–you’re a natural.
Such a fun post! I play the trumpet. Not by choice but as a wee little lass my fingers were not long enough to cover all the keys/holes on a Saxophone, which was my first choice. My mom said no to drums and I refused the flute because my sister played it. And the clarinet was the same as the Sax, though I had to desire to play it anyway. Thus…a trumpet. Do you know how much braces wax I had to wear to NOT cut the insides of my lip. Ok, now I’m just crackin up at my nerdy self!
Wow, Loree! You are quite talented. Your ability to play so many instruments reminds me of Gwynly. He plays guitar, banjo, clarinet, recorder, penny whistle, accordion, and concertina.
I think it’s cool that you play the trumpet, Jess. There were a few gals in the trumpet session when our daughter was in her high school band. They seemed to get a lot of respect and admiration from the guys. Did you find that to be the case?
Do you think you’ll pursue your dream of playing sax someday?
I would love to be able to play a piano. My parents started giving lessons in grade school but I was soon pulled out after my parents learned that the instructor liked little girls too much. I often wished that I had found another source and continued on.
So fun to see Keli everywhere lately!
I WISH I played piano. I’m a singer, so it would be fun to be able to accompany myself like Nichole Nordeman (one of my favorite singers).
Patricia, I’m sorry you weren’t able to continue your piano lessons. Have you considered taking some now? As one who didn’t start writing novels until I was 47, I’m all for pursuing our dreams–even if we’re no longer as young as we once were. =)
Lindsay, you’re not just “a singer.” You’re an incredibly talented SINGER with an awesome voice. I love listening to the CDs you’ve given me. I hope to see you in the ACFW choir come September. =)
What a great surprise! I love the Miles look-a-like photo. And I can imagine his mustache neatly trimmed.
I took piano lessons in grade school and flute in high school. I was just okay at it. I could never get my fingers coordinated enough. I wish I could play “lively” instruments like the fiddle, banjo, trumpet and so on.
Oh, and I learned to play just enough sax to belt out a short solo for a summer musical program (West Side Story!). That was really fun because since the solo was so short I was able to practice until it sounded wonderful & people thought I was a really great sax player. That was my 15 minutes of musical fame.
I love this post! Fun.
I play guitar and in a band I play percussion and bass, but lately I’ve had trouble with a skin condition on my fingers, which makes it difficult, so I’m definitely rusty.
I always wanted to play piano! But we never had one for me to practice. I learned in college, but I forget everything I knew then. Sigh.
I have shot in worldwide trapshooting competitions and Miles is so right about respecting your shotgun. 🙂
Creative post, Keli and Cynthia! 🙂
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Wow! You’re all a talented bunch!
Thanks for stopping by for my interview with Miles. I appreciate Keli generously sharing her time with us this week, as well. Be sure to visit again on Friday when Keli hosts a “surprise post.”
I’m delighted to be the Monday winner!!! Hooray! You’ve brightened my whole day! (Week, month and my next stop at Olive Garden!!) So happy to have this copy of Keli’s book!!!
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Sue, I’m thrilled you’re thrilled! 🙂
Tonya, how wonderful it must have been to wow everyone with your sax solo. I’m impressed!
My Gwynly plays the banjo. Lively is a great way to describe that instrument. He and some of our friends from church played some folk music pieces at my launch party earlier this month. It was Gwynly’s first time to play banjo publicly, and I was so proud of him.
Crystal, what a woman of many talents you are. Not only do you play several instruments in a band, but you’re also a world class trap shooter. That is way cool!
Congratulations on winning the drawing on Monday, Sue. I’ll get an autographed copy of my book in the mail to you soon.
This is a fun post. Nice to meet Miles. I “played” my grandma’s old upright piano. My brother tried to teach me guitar, but I lost interest. Listening to music is my forte. 🙂