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Maureen Lang
Featured Books:
Read on as Maureen talks about her kids, research, and who inspires her:
novelinspirations.com: Maureen, you have some unique insights to your characters Talie (The Oak Leaves) and Dana (On Sparrow Hill). How did your own life experiences affect your writing in these two stories?
Maureen Lang: Both The Oak Leaves and On Sparrow Hill include characters affected by Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic form of mental retardation. I’m a carrier for this disorder, just as the major characters in Oak Leaves and one of the characters in On Sparrow Hill. Needless to say, I had plenty of reason to identify with these particular people! We’re always told to “write what we know” and so I did. Angst is a part of being a carrier for most (if not all) genetic disorders —making these books easier to write — but being able to share these stories have been the silver lining in my life. I’ve been able to comfort people who’ve gone through this diagnosis or something similar, like autism, as well as spread the word about a disorder too few people have ever heard of.
novelinspirations.com: Both of these books deal with serious relational and personal issues, but they also have a strong romance thread in at least one of the storylines. How do you create such a good balance between the two?
Maureen Lang: I’m an author, but all that really means is that I’m an avid reader who’s found a way to write the stories I’d like to be reading. I’m not sure I could create a book that doesn’t have an element of romance in it, because that’s what I love to read! Every book has to find a balance between various components, and for me the only way to lighten the serious nature of dealing with a permanent disability like mental retardation was to make sure the romance was fun, compelling, and realistic. So when things got serious in the story, I knew the next chapter better have something relational in it, preferably of a romantic nature!
novelinspirations.com: Who is your favorite romance author? Favorite movie?
Maureen Lang: I have so many favorite authors and movies, it’s hard to pick! My husband is always laughing that my “top ten” movie list contains about a hundred movies. I’m the same way with books! But I can tell you some of my early favorites, starting with books. I began reading romance novels when Kathleen Woodiwiss first came out with The Wolf and The Dove – many years ago, so you know I’m old! Her books were secular and I no longer read novels with the graphic elements of today’s typical secular romance, but back then I was inspired. I wanted to create a romance where the reader longs to see how two characters who have all sorts of obstacles between them can possibly — realistically — end up together. And favorite movies: The Sound of Music, You’ve Got Mail, Pride and Prejudice, to name a few.
novelinspirations.com: Is there a mentor or someone in your writing life that inspired you at a time when you were at a low point? What did their influence mean to you?
Maureen Lang: I actually don’t have one person, but I do have a group. I belong to a local writer’s club that’s changed and grown over the years but has always remained the safe, encouraging group it was from the beginning. Some years ago, I’d just gotten back into writing after fifteen years of being away from it. The road back to publication wasn’t easy, and so with another woman I met at a local writer’s conference, we started our own critique group. The women in this group prayed for me, believed not only in the quality of my work but that God would use it, and also gave me page-by-page critiques. Quite a combination! I always recommend writer’s groups, and I believe they can be a great place to learn, but they’re not always the perfect fit this one was for me.
novelinspirations.com: I know you used to write as a child. Do any of your children have the writing bug? Would you encourage them to pursue a career in writing? Why or why not?
Maureen Lang: My daughter has had an occasional interest in writing, although she’s more of an avid reader than anything else. I’ve always said my healthy kids have few limits because God blessed them with good brains. All they have to do is work with the talent they have. But so far I haven’t seen the unending passion most writers need to break into this business. I’ve never specifically encouraged anyone to get into writing for publication. In fact, I usually say don’t do it! But if you can’t not write, if you’re going to do it whether you get paid for it or not, you might as well try making a little money at it, if only to justify the amount of time you want to spend doing it.
novelinspirations.com: Both the historical and contemporary settings in On Sparrow Hill are portrayed so clearly. I can almost hear the British accents when I read some of the scenes with Quentin and Rebecca. How much research went into this book? Do you enjoy research, or is it more of a duty for you?
Maureen Lang: Research is my favorite part of writing, because it unfolds all the possibilities for a good story. But I’ll share a secret with you: I’ve always enjoyed listening to accents, and when I hear one on TV or in passing, I try to emulate them. I try doing this only when I’m alone, so people don’t look at my oddly (although most people think writers are odd anyway). But if I can “hear” it in my head, it’s easier to convey to the page. Accents are easier to remember when you try picking them up.
novelinspirations.com: When you are staring at a blank screen, what do you do to inspire yourself to write?
Maureen Lang: I’m usually inspired before I sit down to a blank screen, otherwise I think it would be daunting! Books inspire me. Well written novels, exciting history, fascinating facts from little known places. I’m always playing the “what-if” game, imagining characters in circumstances I read or hear about, which is the inspiration behind all of my stories.
novelinspirations.com: What is your favorite Scripture verse, and why?
Maureen Lang: I was just talking about this the other day! This is another area that’s hard to choose, because the Bible is so full of wisdom and wonderful writing. But my favorite has to be 2 Corinthians 12:9 – And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Maureen Lang: The reason that is such a favorite of mine is because it reminds me God uses our weaknesses for His glory. I’m a carrier for a genetic disorder; I have no college degree; I spent years of my adult life far from God. But these are all weaknesses God has turned into strengths, even in the professional publishing world. I never would have written The Oak Leaves or On Sparrow Hill if I wasn’t a carrier for Fragile X Syndrome; lack of formal education keeps me humble enough to know I can never stop learning, my fall from His side keeps me there now, because I know how bleak life can be without Him.
novelinspirations.com: Do you have any more books planned for this series? What’s next for you?
Maureen Lang: I’m so excited about my next book, tentatively titled My Sister Dilly. It’ll be released through Tyndale later this year, fall or winter of 08. It’s the story of a young woman who returns home to the small town she purposely left behind, only to learn she can’t really go back to try making amends, she can only accept forgiveness. It’s a stand-alone contemporary, and of course there’s a romance in there!
Order On Sparrow Hill
.
ON SPARROW HILL book trailer:
Visit Maureen's website:
http://maureenlang.com/
--------------------------------------------------
novelinspirations.com review of On Sparrow Hill
Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Lang’s second book in this series, On Sparrow Hill starts when commercial manager Rebecca Seabrooke finds out her boss, aristocrat Quentin Hollinsworth will be moving into his family home (which Rebecca manages) for the summer.
Rebecca has been successful at hiding her long-time crush on Quentin with him gone most of the time, but fears he’ll find out about her feelings if he’s in such close proximity. Does God have a plan to bring them together?
Letters from Quentin’s ancestor, Berrie Hamilton, reveal a family history that starts with her intentions to be headmistress over a school for handicapped children. Berrie takes in a stranded girl whose family apparently doesn’t want her, but when the girl’s brother, a dashing Irishman, shows up on Berrie’s doorstep her ordered world is upset.
Berrie is sure God’s plan is for her to run the school. Does He have a bigger plan in mind?
Things to love about On Sparrow Hill:
Romance. Two times the story lines equals two times the romance in this book. Lang creates a fine tension between the characters that makes the romance jump off the page. My favorite scene is when Quentin chases Rebecca in the rain with no shoes on – sigh!
History. Lang’s use of small details throughout the historical portion of this book makes reading it a joy and really draws you into the story.
Also:
Double the heroes
Strong heroines
Inspirational message
Plot
This is a great read - so don't miss it!
--------------------------------------------------
Other Reviews of Maureen's books:
Armchair Interviews - On Sparrow Hill
Armchair Interviews - The Oak Leaves
novelinspirations.com: Maureen, you have some unique insights to your characters Talie (The Oak Leaves) and Dana (On Sparrow Hill). How did your own life experiences affect your writing in these two stories?
Maureen Lang: Both The Oak Leaves and On Sparrow Hill include characters affected by Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic form of mental retardation. I’m a carrier for this disorder, just as the major characters in Oak Leaves and one of the characters in On Sparrow Hill. Needless to say, I had plenty of reason to identify with these particular people! We’re always told to “write what we know” and so I did. Angst is a part of being a carrier for most (if not all) genetic disorders —making these books easier to write — but being able to share these stories have been the silver lining in my life. I’ve been able to comfort people who’ve gone through this diagnosis or something similar, like autism, as well as spread the word about a disorder too few people have ever heard of.
novelinspirations.com: Both of these books deal with serious relational and personal issues, but they also have a strong romance thread in at least one of the storylines. How do you create such a good balance between the two?
Maureen Lang: I’m an author, but all that really means is that I’m an avid reader who’s found a way to write the stories I’d like to be reading. I’m not sure I could create a book that doesn’t have an element of romance in it, because that’s what I love to read! Every book has to find a balance between various components, and for me the only way to lighten the serious nature of dealing with a permanent disability like mental retardation was to make sure the romance was fun, compelling, and realistic. So when things got serious in the story, I knew the next chapter better have something relational in it, preferably of a romantic nature!
novelinspirations.com: Who is your favorite romance author? Favorite movie?
Maureen Lang: I have so many favorite authors and movies, it’s hard to pick! My husband is always laughing that my “top ten” movie list contains about a hundred movies. I’m the same way with books! But I can tell you some of my early favorites, starting with books. I began reading romance novels when Kathleen Woodiwiss first came out with The Wolf and The Dove – many years ago, so you know I’m old! Her books were secular and I no longer read novels with the graphic elements of today’s typical secular romance, but back then I was inspired. I wanted to create a romance where the reader longs to see how two characters who have all sorts of obstacles between them can possibly — realistically — end up together. And favorite movies: The Sound of Music, You’ve Got Mail, Pride and Prejudice, to name a few.
novelinspirations.com: Is there a mentor or someone in your writing life that inspired you at a time when you were at a low point? What did their influence mean to you?
Maureen Lang: I actually don’t have one person, but I do have a group. I belong to a local writer’s club that’s changed and grown over the years but has always remained the safe, encouraging group it was from the beginning. Some years ago, I’d just gotten back into writing after fifteen years of being away from it. The road back to publication wasn’t easy, and so with another woman I met at a local writer’s conference, we started our own critique group. The women in this group prayed for me, believed not only in the quality of my work but that God would use it, and also gave me page-by-page critiques. Quite a combination! I always recommend writer’s groups, and I believe they can be a great place to learn, but they’re not always the perfect fit this one was for me.
novelinspirations.com: I know you used to write as a child. Do any of your children have the writing bug? Would you encourage them to pursue a career in writing? Why or why not?
Maureen Lang: My daughter has had an occasional interest in writing, although she’s more of an avid reader than anything else. I’ve always said my healthy kids have few limits because God blessed them with good brains. All they have to do is work with the talent they have. But so far I haven’t seen the unending passion most writers need to break into this business. I’ve never specifically encouraged anyone to get into writing for publication. In fact, I usually say don’t do it! But if you can’t not write, if you’re going to do it whether you get paid for it or not, you might as well try making a little money at it, if only to justify the amount of time you want to spend doing it.
novelinspirations.com: Both the historical and contemporary settings in On Sparrow Hill are portrayed so clearly. I can almost hear the British accents when I read some of the scenes with Quentin and Rebecca. How much research went into this book? Do you enjoy research, or is it more of a duty for you?
Maureen Lang: Research is my favorite part of writing, because it unfolds all the possibilities for a good story. But I’ll share a secret with you: I’ve always enjoyed listening to accents, and when I hear one on TV or in passing, I try to emulate them. I try doing this only when I’m alone, so people don’t look at my oddly (although most people think writers are odd anyway). But if I can “hear” it in my head, it’s easier to convey to the page. Accents are easier to remember when you try picking them up.
novelinspirations.com: When you are staring at a blank screen, what do you do to inspire yourself to write?
Maureen Lang: I’m usually inspired before I sit down to a blank screen, otherwise I think it would be daunting! Books inspire me. Well written novels, exciting history, fascinating facts from little known places. I’m always playing the “what-if” game, imagining characters in circumstances I read or hear about, which is the inspiration behind all of my stories.
novelinspirations.com: What is your favorite Scripture verse, and why?
Maureen Lang: I was just talking about this the other day! This is another area that’s hard to choose, because the Bible is so full of wisdom and wonderful writing. But my favorite has to be 2 Corinthians 12:9 – And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Maureen Lang: The reason that is such a favorite of mine is because it reminds me God uses our weaknesses for His glory. I’m a carrier for a genetic disorder; I have no college degree; I spent years of my adult life far from God. But these are all weaknesses God has turned into strengths, even in the professional publishing world. I never would have written The Oak Leaves or On Sparrow Hill if I wasn’t a carrier for Fragile X Syndrome; lack of formal education keeps me humble enough to know I can never stop learning, my fall from His side keeps me there now, because I know how bleak life can be without Him.
novelinspirations.com: Do you have any more books planned for this series? What’s next for you?
Maureen Lang: I’m so excited about my next book, tentatively titled My Sister Dilly. It’ll be released through Tyndale later this year, fall or winter of 08. It’s the story of a young woman who returns home to the small town she purposely left behind, only to learn she can’t really go back to try making amends, she can only accept forgiveness. It’s a stand-alone contemporary, and of course there’s a romance in there!
Order On Sparrow Hill
.
ON SPARROW HILL book trailer:
Visit Maureen's website:
http://maureenlang.com/
--------------------------------------------------
novelinspirations.com review of On Sparrow Hill
Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Lang’s second book in this series, On Sparrow Hill starts when commercial manager Rebecca Seabrooke finds out her boss, aristocrat Quentin Hollinsworth will be moving into his family home (which Rebecca manages) for the summer.
Rebecca has been successful at hiding her long-time crush on Quentin with him gone most of the time, but fears he’ll find out about her feelings if he’s in such close proximity. Does God have a plan to bring them together?
Letters from Quentin’s ancestor, Berrie Hamilton, reveal a family history that starts with her intentions to be headmistress over a school for handicapped children. Berrie takes in a stranded girl whose family apparently doesn’t want her, but when the girl’s brother, a dashing Irishman, shows up on Berrie’s doorstep her ordered world is upset.
Berrie is sure God’s plan is for her to run the school. Does He have a bigger plan in mind?
Things to love about On Sparrow Hill:
Romance. Two times the story lines equals two times the romance in this book. Lang creates a fine tension between the characters that makes the romance jump off the page. My favorite scene is when Quentin chases Rebecca in the rain with no shoes on – sigh!
History. Lang’s use of small details throughout the historical portion of this book makes reading it a joy and really draws you into the story.
Also:
Double the heroes
Strong heroines
Inspirational message
Plot
This is a great read - so don't miss it!
--------------------------------------------------
Other Reviews of Maureen's books:
Armchair Interviews - On Sparrow Hill
Armchair Interviews - The Oak Leaves
We are giving away ONE copy of On Sparrow Hill during the month of February.
HOW TO ENTER:
- join the novelinspirations newsletter list
(winner is drawn from all subscribers at 2/29/09), or
- email Lacy
Drawing winners will be drawn on or around February 29.
Other books by Maureen Lang: