Interview: Lena Nelson Dooley’s Catherine

2013/August by Marji Laine 4 Comments

Lena Nelson Dooley is truly a treasure and her series “McKenna’s Daughters” is nothing short of epic! Her final book, Catherine’s Pursuit, though a stand-alone story, brings the entire trilogy to a satisfying ending. What a remarkable heroine!

Let’s meet Catherine.

Marji: I’m so glad you could visit and let us know a little about your life. Does your family play any role at all?
Catherine: Since I’m an only child and my mother died when I was born, the only family I have is a father. I’ve always wished I had siblings. I do have an aunt who has helped my father rear me, and I love both her and father dearly.

Marji: Sounds like you have some regrets. What would you consider your greatest one?
Catherine: I wish I could have known my mother. Besides my aunt, I did have an older woman who helped Father with me when I was quite young. And I have a governess, who became my lady’s maid when I got old enough not to need a governess. She’s closer to my age, and she’s the closest thing to a friend that I have.

Marji: Friendship is important. Especially when you face big issues. What would you say is your biggest fear?
Catherine: That something will happen to my father, and I’ll be left alone in the world.

Marji: Ah. No wonder you wish for siblings. Feeling alone is a nightmare to me, too. If time and money weren’t limitations, what would you spend most of your days doing?
Catherine: My father is wealthy, so money has never been an issue in my life. I do wish he didn’t work so hard, so we could travel and see the country.

Marji: sounds like time is the major hurdle in that issue. Not so much yours as his lack of time. What are your thoughts or expectations of marriage?
Catherine: I want to get married and have lots of children. I don’t want to only have one lonely child.

Marji: You don’t want your child to feel the same way you do. That’s understandable. What traits should your hero have?
Catherine: Since I’m an heiress, my aunt and father have cautioned me about men who might want me for my money. The only people I actually have contact with besides my father, aunt, and the servants are those attend the same church. But I don’t really have any close friends there. I would love to meet a man who doesn’t know about my background, so he can get to know the real me.

Marji: See you for who you are rather than your father’s money. I get that. What traits did your author give your hero that you don’t appreciate?
Catherine: The man thought of me as selfish and spoiled. That’s not a good way to get acquainted.

Marji: No indeed. And not such a good first impression by either of you. List two lies your hero believes about you.
Catherine: 1) That I’m stuck up or think I’m better than them. Actually, I don’t know how to become friendly to someone like him. I’m rather shy around men. 2) That I only think about myself.

Marji: Hmm. That doesn’t sound too promising. But at least he’s thinking of you!

Your Turn: Of what character would you ask, “What were you thinking? Did you pass that idea through your gray cells?” Tell me about them: book, movie, or show. Ha! Or maybe your best example is a real person? LOL!

Here’s a little more about Catherine’s story:

In book three of the McKenna’s Daughters series, Catherine McKenna begins a journey to find her lost sisters that turns into a spiritual journey for the entire McKenna family.

And here’s a little about Lena Nelson Dooley:

Award-winning author, Lena Nelson Dooley, has more than 750,000 books in print.

Helping other authors become published really floats her boat, with over 20 signing their first book contract after her mentoring. Three of her books have been awarded the Carol Award silver pins, and she has received the ACFW Mentor of the Year award. The high point of her day is receiving feedback from her readers, especially people whose lives have been changed by her books.

Her 2010 release Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, won the 2011 Will Rogers Medallion Award for excellence in publishing Western Fiction. Maggie’s Journey appeared on a reviewers Top Ten Books of 2011 list. It also won the 2012 Selah award for Historical Novel. Mary’s Blessing released in May 2012. It recently appeared on a review site’s Top Five Reads in 2012 list. Catherine’s Pursuit is coming in February 2013.

In addition to her writing, Lena is a frequent speaker at women’s groups, writers groups, and at both regional and national conferences. She has spoken in six states and internationally. She is also one of the co-hosts of the Gate Beautiful blog radio show.

Find her online here:
Website                         Blog                         Pinterest
Facebook                       Twitter                    Official Fan Page
Goodreads                    Shoutlife                  Blogtalk Radio
Other blogs where she’s a regular contributor:
Christian Fiction Historical Society
Just the Write Charisma