Marilyn Holdsworth's Blog, page 4
February 15, 2012
Review of Pegasus by Lisa Ross-Williams
Pegasus:A Novel ,Written by Marilyn Holdsworth
Reviewed by Lisa Ross-Williams of Natural Horse Magazine
In "Pegasus", Marilyn Holdsworth shines light on the issues of animal abuse and exploitation. The story centers around Hanna, a young, widowed journalist, fiercely dedicated to saving wild mustangs from slaughter. After rescuing a badly injured horse, she searches to discover his true identity and fights to save his life, all the time falling in love with a gentle rancher. "Pegasus" captures audiences with an eye-opening and adventurous tale of love and horses.
Reviewed by Lisa Ross-Williams of Natural Horse Magazine
In "Pegasus", Marilyn Holdsworth shines light on the issues of animal abuse and exploitation. The story centers around Hanna, a young, widowed journalist, fiercely dedicated to saving wild mustangs from slaughter. After rescuing a badly injured horse, she searches to discover his true identity and fights to save his life, all the time falling in love with a gentle rancher. "Pegasus" captures audiences with an eye-opening and adventurous tale of love and horses.
February 10, 2012
Review of Pegasus by Kim Miller
Pegasus:A Novel ,Written by Marilyn Holdsworth
Reviewed by Kim F. Miller, editor of California Riding Magazine
This story's subtext involves the grim business of slaughtering horses, but the author, a Southern California horsewoman, balances that with romance and heroism on behalf of horses.
Hannah Bradley is a successful journalist specializing in animal abuse issues. Widowed at an early age, she crosses paths with an older, well-to-do lawyer, Winston Caughfield III. He shares her passion for horses, but their budding romance is threatened by Hannah's determination to bust a ring of bad guys profiting from the sale of wild Mustangs and other horses for slaughter. "Win" is torn between his desire to help Hannah and his fears that she'll get hurt.
Hannah and Win bond over the rehabilitation of Pegasus, who escaped a slaughterhouse fate by running away from a trailer crash site. In the process of tracing down his true identity, they discover the underground horse meat racket and the nasty characters who run it. They've saved the horse, but put their own lives at risk. This is a fun, quick read.
Reviewed by Kim F. Miller, editor of California Riding Magazine
This story's subtext involves the grim business of slaughtering horses, but the author, a Southern California horsewoman, balances that with romance and heroism on behalf of horses.
Hannah Bradley is a successful journalist specializing in animal abuse issues. Widowed at an early age, she crosses paths with an older, well-to-do lawyer, Winston Caughfield III. He shares her passion for horses, but their budding romance is threatened by Hannah's determination to bust a ring of bad guys profiting from the sale of wild Mustangs and other horses for slaughter. "Win" is torn between his desire to help Hannah and his fears that she'll get hurt.
Hannah and Win bond over the rehabilitation of Pegasus, who escaped a slaughterhouse fate by running away from a trailer crash site. In the process of tracing down his true identity, they discover the underground horse meat racket and the nasty characters who run it. They've saved the horse, but put their own lives at risk. This is a fun, quick read.
February 7, 2012
Review of Pegasus by Jane Myhra
Pegasus:A Novel ,Written by Marilyn Holdsworth
Reviewed by Jane Myhra of Wisconsin Horsemen's News
"Pegasus a novel," written by Marilyn Holdsworth, is a pleasurable horse story. It kept my interest all the way to the exciting climax.
In the novel, Holdsworth's main character, Hannah Bradley, fights to save wild mustangs from slaughter. After Hannah rescues Pegasus, she begins to realize that the horse is not a mustang but a Thoroughbred that was horribly abused. Hannah's journey to solve the mystery of the horse's identity takes the reader into the world of animal abuse, international intrigue and black-marketeering. Along the way, the reader is treated to romance and adventure.
In "Pegasus," the horse moments are tender. The adventure is fast paced. Holdsworth does an expert job of changing the tone to depict the bad-mannered and dirty-tongued evil characters that constantly mistreat horses. The author quickly brings you back to the good side and the perfect people who love horses.
Reviewed by Jane Myhra of Wisconsin Horsemen's News
"Pegasus a novel," written by Marilyn Holdsworth, is a pleasurable horse story. It kept my interest all the way to the exciting climax.
In the novel, Holdsworth's main character, Hannah Bradley, fights to save wild mustangs from slaughter. After Hannah rescues Pegasus, she begins to realize that the horse is not a mustang but a Thoroughbred that was horribly abused. Hannah's journey to solve the mystery of the horse's identity takes the reader into the world of animal abuse, international intrigue and black-marketeering. Along the way, the reader is treated to romance and adventure.
In "Pegasus," the horse moments are tender. The adventure is fast paced. Holdsworth does an expert job of changing the tone to depict the bad-mannered and dirty-tongued evil characters that constantly mistreat horses. The author quickly brings you back to the good side and the perfect people who love horses.
February 5, 2012
Review of Pegasus by Leigh Ballard
Pegasus:A Novel ,Written by Marilyn Holdsworth
Reviewed by Leigh Ballard of Mid-South Horse Review
Combine steamy romance and money with a social conscience and horses, and what do you have? You have Marilyn Holdsworth's book "Pegasus," about a ranch and a horse of the same name. When I first started reading "Pegasus," I thought it was going to be like those Harlequin bodice-ripper tales. But the story did settle down and became an interesting read.
It's the story of Hannah, a young widowed journalist with a focus on animal abuse issues, and a handsome attorney, Winston, who comes from a long line of horse people. Together they become involved with a rescued "Mustang" who turns out not to be a mustang at all.
The horse Pegasus leads them into the world of racing and unethical trainers. Eventually, the true identity of the horse is revealed, but not without danger and intrigue. Through Winston's dealings with a client, Hannah and Win are inadvertently drawn into a tangled connection with the exploitative black market of illegal horse slaughter. International travel and adventure spice up the couple's efforts to set things right and bring some unsavory characters to justice.
For a good escapist read full of romance, mystery and adventure, "Pegasus" can keep you propped up in front of the fireplace on a cold winter day. Or on a cozy porch on warm fall days.
Reviewed by Leigh Ballard of Mid-South Horse Review
Combine steamy romance and money with a social conscience and horses, and what do you have? You have Marilyn Holdsworth's book "Pegasus," about a ranch and a horse of the same name. When I first started reading "Pegasus," I thought it was going to be like those Harlequin bodice-ripper tales. But the story did settle down and became an interesting read.
It's the story of Hannah, a young widowed journalist with a focus on animal abuse issues, and a handsome attorney, Winston, who comes from a long line of horse people. Together they become involved with a rescued "Mustang" who turns out not to be a mustang at all.
The horse Pegasus leads them into the world of racing and unethical trainers. Eventually, the true identity of the horse is revealed, but not without danger and intrigue. Through Winston's dealings with a client, Hannah and Win are inadvertently drawn into a tangled connection with the exploitative black market of illegal horse slaughter. International travel and adventure spice up the couple's efforts to set things right and bring some unsavory characters to justice.
For a good escapist read full of romance, mystery and adventure, "Pegasus" can keep you propped up in front of the fireplace on a cold winter day. Or on a cozy porch on warm fall days.
February 4, 2012
Review of Pegasus by Michelle Mills
Pegasus:A Novel ,Written by Marilyn Holdsworth
Reviewed by Michelle Mills of San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group
Fiction mixes with reality in "Pegasus" (AuthorHouse, $15) by Marilyn Holdsworth. When journalist Hannah Bradley and lawyer Winston Caughfield III rescue an injured horse, they discover a web of black-marketeering and international intrigue. The book offers mystery, adventure and romance blended with the real-life issues of animal abuse and exploitation. Holdsworth is a supporter of Horse Rescue and a contributor to Wild Horse Preservation. She lives with her husband in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Reviewed by Michelle Mills of San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group
Fiction mixes with reality in "Pegasus" (AuthorHouse, $15) by Marilyn Holdsworth. When journalist Hannah Bradley and lawyer Winston Caughfield III rescue an injured horse, they discover a web of black-marketeering and international intrigue. The book offers mystery, adventure and romance blended with the real-life issues of animal abuse and exploitation. Holdsworth is a supporter of Horse Rescue and a contributor to Wild Horse Preservation. She lives with her husband in the Greater Los Angeles area.
February 2, 2012
Pegasus Giveaway
My book is a featured giveaway on Goodreads.
http://www.goodreads.com/featured_lis...
http://www.goodreads.com/featured_lis...
January 13, 2012
Help for the Mustangs
A big thank you to everyone who bought my book Pegasus! My first royalty check went to support the mustangs. I hope the next one will be bigger for them.
http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-Marilyn...
http://www.amazon.com/Pegasus-Marilyn...
December 26, 2011
Excerpt from My Novel Pegasus
Read an Excerpt
Pegasus
By Marilyn Holdsworth
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Marilyn Holdsworth
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-0183-3
Chapter One
Hannah Pierce Bradley sat curled on the sofa in her country-style family room. Her long, silky chestnut hair tumbled around her shoulders, pulled back from her face with a wide blue band. Her large brown eyes, fringed by thick dark lashes, intently studied the papers strewn around her. Her creamy skin had a healthy glow from jogging in the morning air. The warmth of the room's colors and the friendly, comfortable, early-American furniture made it Hannah's favorite place in the house. Glass sliding doors opened out onto a wide brick patio, where two shaggy mongrels lolled in the sunlight. The larger of the two cocked an ear and thumped his tail as Hannah got up and crossed the room. The dog didn't move but watched her protectively as she passed into the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee and then returned to her place on the sofa, plumping the pillows and reaching for a tablet that lay on the side table. She sipped her coffee as she flipped through the pages of the notebook.
The phone shattered the stillness, and she answered reluctantly. This was going to be her day to begin work on her new series of articles. There was still much research to do, and she resented any intrusions. She reached for the phone and answered with a note of impatience in her voice. "Hello." Her tone immediately softened when she heard Winston Caughfield III's voice on the other end. "I'm so sorry, Win," she said affectionately. "I didn't mean to bite your head off. It's just that I was about to get into my first article. You know how I am when I'm working." She knew he'd understand as always.
His warm laugh was all the reassurance she needed. "It's okay, and I do understand," he replied. "But your work is why I called. I wondered if you'd seen the morning papers and thought perhaps if you were knee-deep in research you might not have. There's a story about an accident that might interest you. Take a look at the Daily Register, page two, bottom right-hand corner. Not a big write-up, so it might not make TV or radio news, and you might miss it. Now I won't keep you any longer from all that thinking and planning I know you're doing. Call me later about Saturday and tell me what you think of the story." The line went dead. Hannah unfolded her long legs and immediately went in search of the morning paper.
How very like Win, she reflected, undemanding, always interested in whatever concerned her. She pictured him this morning, his strong, even features and quick smile. He was over six feet tall, trim and athletic; only the silver streaks in his dark brown hair hinted at his age. Yes, Win was a special person, but it was still too soon. The ache and longing for Jonathan was too close to her heart, the healing process a long one. Jonathan's death had been such a shock, so swift; one day there, the next on his way to Chicago on business, and then the terrible snowstorm and fatal flight of United Airlines 111. Engine failure in the storm. She willed herself back to the present and her thoughts of Win. Maybe with time. That's what Win always said when they talked about their relationship. Just give it time.
She found the paper and quickly flipped to the article on page two. It was a brief account of an accident on some desolate canyon road. But what leaped out at her was the name, Vincent Rossi, and the Circle R horse farm. It was suspected that the horses in the van had belonged to him and that the van's driver was unlicensed, driving under the influence of alcohol. A truck and horse-trailer rig the size of the one in the accident should not have been on that narrow, winding road at all. There were no survivors reported at the scene. The driver of the van, the horses, and the two occupants of the small car that collided with the van had died in the crash. The wreckage at the bottom of the steep ravine was severely burned, making positive identification of the charred remains difficult.
Hannah let the paper slip to the floor. "What a waste, what a miserable waste," she said out loud. "Those beautiful animals carelessly killed. A crime." The worst kind of crime, in Hannah Pierce Bradley's opinion. A crime against harmless, helpless creatures. "That kind of scum shouldn't be allowed to raise animals," she muttered fiercely. "I hope they hang Vincent Rossi out on this one. And maybe I can help add some more fuel to that already smoldering fire."
She called Win later that evening, after spending the day organizing her notes and outlines for her newest project. Most of her past work she had done as a freelance writer. But lately she had been approached by several magazines offering assignments after her tremendously successful series of articles on the brutalities of puppy mills had appeared in the Wall Street Journal. Acclaimed as the brave new voice of social conscience, she was bombarded with offers to speak at animal rights groups across the country. She declined each with a thank-you note and a firm refusal, citing her need to continue her work raising public awareness of the need for laws and strong legal action against those so willing to exploit animals for greedy financial gain.
"Those horses didn't stand a chance." She spoke with much feeling in her voice, and Win could imagine her soft features set in a firm, determined line. He remembered similar words when she fiercely attacked the puppy-mill owners. "Vincent Rossi should be run out of town on a rail and his stables shut down," she said flatly. "He's criminally abusive, and a little slap on the wrist isn't going to change him. A fine and a few lines of bad publicity aren't going to do any good. And you know it as well as I do, Win."
"I do. I know what you say is true. I also know the guy is a sleazy small-time gangster. He's not at all like his father. The Rossi farm raised some fine horses in the old days. Trained them well and raced them fairly. They were some of the best in the smaller racing leagues. Never made it to the big time but did real well at the small tracks, fairs, things like that. My dad knew old Dominic Rossi, respected him as a fine horseman. But Vince's gone sour, bad as they come. The guy is unscrupulous and mean. Backed into a corner, you don't know what he'll do."
"He's gotten away with it too long, Win," Hannah said firmly. "And for every one of him, there's another coming right up behind him, willing to make the money any way they can. Ready to follow his lead."
"Hannah, I didn't call attention to the article because I wanted to encourage your involvement in any attempt to bring Vincent Rossi to justice," Win said firmly. "I just knew you'd be interested and want to follow the story, that's all. I really don't think you should entertain any idea of digging into it. You still get threats after all those puppy-mill stories. You don't need to open any more of Pandora's boxes."
"Yes, I do. The stories need to be told," she said determinedly. "My next series is a follow-up on the adoption of the animals rescued from the mills and the outstanding efforts of the humane societies and private funding across the country that saved those dogs. Three different magazines have approached me on the follow-up stories. I started working on my outlines today. And I honestly think I should work straight through the weekend," she finished.
"But what about Saturday?" Disappointment edged his voice. "I thought you could come out to the ranch for the day, have lunch, and ride in the afternoon. Quiet, just the two of us. All the help will be off except Mary Little Deer. She always stays at the ranch. Wouldn't know what to do with a day off."
"It sounds so nice, Win. Just what I need—fresh air, riding, and quiet. I'd really love to come. Let me work like crazy for the next couple of days. Without too many interruptions, I should have things pretty well outlined by then."
"I'll pick you up on Saturday morning. The weather should be good; forecast is for a fair weekend. Besides just seeing you, I have something I want to show you." She could hear the enthusiasm in his voice.
"Win. You've done so many nice things for me already. I really couldn't accept more right now."
"Now don't start that again. You know how much I enjoy being with you. I'll look forward to Saturday."
She hung up the phone and sat for a moment, speculating on what Win might possibly have to show her on Saturday. She smiled; she had to admit he was clever. Her interest had been piqued, and she found herself eagerly anticipating the weekend. She not only looked forward to seeing him, but she wondered just what it was he wanted so much to show her at the ranch.
Pegasus
By Marilyn Holdsworth
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 Marilyn Holdsworth
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-0183-3
Chapter One
Hannah Pierce Bradley sat curled on the sofa in her country-style family room. Her long, silky chestnut hair tumbled around her shoulders, pulled back from her face with a wide blue band. Her large brown eyes, fringed by thick dark lashes, intently studied the papers strewn around her. Her creamy skin had a healthy glow from jogging in the morning air. The warmth of the room's colors and the friendly, comfortable, early-American furniture made it Hannah's favorite place in the house. Glass sliding doors opened out onto a wide brick patio, where two shaggy mongrels lolled in the sunlight. The larger of the two cocked an ear and thumped his tail as Hannah got up and crossed the room. The dog didn't move but watched her protectively as she passed into the kitchen to pour a cup of coffee and then returned to her place on the sofa, plumping the pillows and reaching for a tablet that lay on the side table. She sipped her coffee as she flipped through the pages of the notebook.
The phone shattered the stillness, and she answered reluctantly. This was going to be her day to begin work on her new series of articles. There was still much research to do, and she resented any intrusions. She reached for the phone and answered with a note of impatience in her voice. "Hello." Her tone immediately softened when she heard Winston Caughfield III's voice on the other end. "I'm so sorry, Win," she said affectionately. "I didn't mean to bite your head off. It's just that I was about to get into my first article. You know how I am when I'm working." She knew he'd understand as always.
His warm laugh was all the reassurance she needed. "It's okay, and I do understand," he replied. "But your work is why I called. I wondered if you'd seen the morning papers and thought perhaps if you were knee-deep in research you might not have. There's a story about an accident that might interest you. Take a look at the Daily Register, page two, bottom right-hand corner. Not a big write-up, so it might not make TV or radio news, and you might miss it. Now I won't keep you any longer from all that thinking and planning I know you're doing. Call me later about Saturday and tell me what you think of the story." The line went dead. Hannah unfolded her long legs and immediately went in search of the morning paper.
How very like Win, she reflected, undemanding, always interested in whatever concerned her. She pictured him this morning, his strong, even features and quick smile. He was over six feet tall, trim and athletic; only the silver streaks in his dark brown hair hinted at his age. Yes, Win was a special person, but it was still too soon. The ache and longing for Jonathan was too close to her heart, the healing process a long one. Jonathan's death had been such a shock, so swift; one day there, the next on his way to Chicago on business, and then the terrible snowstorm and fatal flight of United Airlines 111. Engine failure in the storm. She willed herself back to the present and her thoughts of Win. Maybe with time. That's what Win always said when they talked about their relationship. Just give it time.
She found the paper and quickly flipped to the article on page two. It was a brief account of an accident on some desolate canyon road. But what leaped out at her was the name, Vincent Rossi, and the Circle R horse farm. It was suspected that the horses in the van had belonged to him and that the van's driver was unlicensed, driving under the influence of alcohol. A truck and horse-trailer rig the size of the one in the accident should not have been on that narrow, winding road at all. There were no survivors reported at the scene. The driver of the van, the horses, and the two occupants of the small car that collided with the van had died in the crash. The wreckage at the bottom of the steep ravine was severely burned, making positive identification of the charred remains difficult.
Hannah let the paper slip to the floor. "What a waste, what a miserable waste," she said out loud. "Those beautiful animals carelessly killed. A crime." The worst kind of crime, in Hannah Pierce Bradley's opinion. A crime against harmless, helpless creatures. "That kind of scum shouldn't be allowed to raise animals," she muttered fiercely. "I hope they hang Vincent Rossi out on this one. And maybe I can help add some more fuel to that already smoldering fire."
She called Win later that evening, after spending the day organizing her notes and outlines for her newest project. Most of her past work she had done as a freelance writer. But lately she had been approached by several magazines offering assignments after her tremendously successful series of articles on the brutalities of puppy mills had appeared in the Wall Street Journal. Acclaimed as the brave new voice of social conscience, she was bombarded with offers to speak at animal rights groups across the country. She declined each with a thank-you note and a firm refusal, citing her need to continue her work raising public awareness of the need for laws and strong legal action against those so willing to exploit animals for greedy financial gain.
"Those horses didn't stand a chance." She spoke with much feeling in her voice, and Win could imagine her soft features set in a firm, determined line. He remembered similar words when she fiercely attacked the puppy-mill owners. "Vincent Rossi should be run out of town on a rail and his stables shut down," she said flatly. "He's criminally abusive, and a little slap on the wrist isn't going to change him. A fine and a few lines of bad publicity aren't going to do any good. And you know it as well as I do, Win."
"I do. I know what you say is true. I also know the guy is a sleazy small-time gangster. He's not at all like his father. The Rossi farm raised some fine horses in the old days. Trained them well and raced them fairly. They were some of the best in the smaller racing leagues. Never made it to the big time but did real well at the small tracks, fairs, things like that. My dad knew old Dominic Rossi, respected him as a fine horseman. But Vince's gone sour, bad as they come. The guy is unscrupulous and mean. Backed into a corner, you don't know what he'll do."
"He's gotten away with it too long, Win," Hannah said firmly. "And for every one of him, there's another coming right up behind him, willing to make the money any way they can. Ready to follow his lead."
"Hannah, I didn't call attention to the article because I wanted to encourage your involvement in any attempt to bring Vincent Rossi to justice," Win said firmly. "I just knew you'd be interested and want to follow the story, that's all. I really don't think you should entertain any idea of digging into it. You still get threats after all those puppy-mill stories. You don't need to open any more of Pandora's boxes."
"Yes, I do. The stories need to be told," she said determinedly. "My next series is a follow-up on the adoption of the animals rescued from the mills and the outstanding efforts of the humane societies and private funding across the country that saved those dogs. Three different magazines have approached me on the follow-up stories. I started working on my outlines today. And I honestly think I should work straight through the weekend," she finished.
"But what about Saturday?" Disappointment edged his voice. "I thought you could come out to the ranch for the day, have lunch, and ride in the afternoon. Quiet, just the two of us. All the help will be off except Mary Little Deer. She always stays at the ranch. Wouldn't know what to do with a day off."
"It sounds so nice, Win. Just what I need—fresh air, riding, and quiet. I'd really love to come. Let me work like crazy for the next couple of days. Without too many interruptions, I should have things pretty well outlined by then."
"I'll pick you up on Saturday morning. The weather should be good; forecast is for a fair weekend. Besides just seeing you, I have something I want to show you." She could hear the enthusiasm in his voice.
"Win. You've done so many nice things for me already. I really couldn't accept more right now."
"Now don't start that again. You know how much I enjoy being with you. I'll look forward to Saturday."
She hung up the phone and sat for a moment, speculating on what Win might possibly have to show her on Saturday. She smiled; she had to admit he was clever. Her interest had been piqued, and she found herself eagerly anticipating the weekend. She not only looked forward to seeing him, but she wondered just what it was he wanted so much to show her at the ranch.
October 30, 2011
Endorsement for The Beautiful American
The Beautiful American by Marilyn Holdsworth is a well-crafted manuscript. The characters are well-developed and will capture readers’ hearts. The historical aspect of the historical fiction is spot-on. And the story is lovely. Well done...Holly Starley, Editor for AuthorHouse.
October 29, 2011
Interview with Patti Roberts, Author
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Patti Roberts, Author, Interview with
Marilyn Holdsworth - Author of the book Pegasus
Where were you born and where do you call home? Born in Southern California and live there now.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
My new novel Pegasus, is an adventure/romance story about a mystery horse, involving black-marketeering and international intrigue.
If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say? Hannah Bradley, the heroine would say "Mustangs are part of our American heritage and must be protected". She would also agree that "love is wonderful the second time around."
Do you have plans for a new book? Yes, my next book Beautiful American is a novel about President Monroe's wife, and will be published in the spring.
What or who inspired you to write? It is something I always wanted to do.
How did you come up with the title and cover design? Lots of brainstorming.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
Not consciously.
What books have most influenced your writing most and why? There are no specific books but every book I read resides in my memory which I call on consciously or unconsciously.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Paperbacks.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author? I am an "Indie".
Have you ever read a book more than once? No.
Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? I preferred My Fair Lady over the original Pygmalian.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?Pale Rose of England by Sandra Worth. Paperback.
Is there anything you would change in your last book and why? No. I read and reread until I was satisfied.
Who designed the cover of your book? My editor and I.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Do your own thing. Don't be influenced by friends and family.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing? Not to share my book until it was finished.
Do you write under a pen name? No
What are your pet peeves? 1). High taxes. 2). Sizes of women's clothes. There is no consistency among stores. 3). Politicians spend too much time doing nothing.
What are your interests, other than writing? My main interest is helping to preserve our wild horses and I am planning to use some of my book proceeds to further the cause.
Cats or dogs? Dogs.
White wine or red? White
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favorite food? Salad.
What do you normally eat for breakfast? Muffin.
What are 3 things you never leave home without? Shoes, wallet, keys.
Laptop or desktop for writing? Desktop.
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? My study, afternoons.
If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you? Peyton Manning, Steve Jobs, Prince William.
One of your favorite quotes - There is nothing either good or bad - but thinking makes it so...
Shakespeare.
List 3 of your all time favorite books? Portrait of a Lady, by Henry James. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Agony and the Ecstasy, by Irving Stone.
List 3 of your all time favorite movies? 1). Gone with the Wind, 2). The Way We Were 3). A Man for All Seasons.
An actor you have a crush on - Robert Redford.
What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed? The King's Speech.
Where can your readers stalk you?
My facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/messages/#!/p...
My Goodreads author page:http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_...
Tumblr:http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard
Is your book in Print, ebook or both? Both. On sale at major bookstores. Including Barnes and Noble, Amazon, AuthorHouse, and Vroman's Pasadena, CA. Also available in UK, Canada and Australia.
About the book:
Widowed at thirty, Hannah Bradley is a successful journalist focusing on animal abuse issues. An accidental meeting introduces her to lawyer, Winston Caughfield III. Drawn to Hannah’s gentle beauty and fierce commitment to her work, Win joins her in a fight to save wild mustangs from slaughter. Together they rescue a badly injured horse with a mysterious background. Hannah’s search to discover the animal’s true identity leads them into a web of black marketeering and international intrigue. Action packed with crisp colorful dialogue the story propels the reader to a race against time conclusion. Marilyn Holdsworth delivers a gripping tale of mystery, adventure and romance guaranteed to hold the interest and capture the heart. She brings true-life characters together with real-life issues to create a fast-paced irresistible story.
Patti Roberts, Author, Interview with
Marilyn Holdsworth - Author of the book Pegasus
Where were you born and where do you call home? Born in Southern California and live there now.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
My new novel Pegasus, is an adventure/romance story about a mystery horse, involving black-marketeering and international intrigue.
If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say? Hannah Bradley, the heroine would say "Mustangs are part of our American heritage and must be protected". She would also agree that "love is wonderful the second time around."
Do you have plans for a new book? Yes, my next book Beautiful American is a novel about President Monroe's wife, and will be published in the spring.
What or who inspired you to write? It is something I always wanted to do.
How did you come up with the title and cover design? Lots of brainstorming.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
Not consciously.
What books have most influenced your writing most and why? There are no specific books but every book I read resides in my memory which I call on consciously or unconsciously.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Paperbacks.
Are you a self published (Indie) Author? I am an "Indie".
Have you ever read a book more than once? No.
Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? I preferred My Fair Lady over the original Pygmalian.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?Pale Rose of England by Sandra Worth. Paperback.
Is there anything you would change in your last book and why? No. I read and reread until I was satisfied.
Who designed the cover of your book? My editor and I.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Do your own thing. Don't be influenced by friends and family.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing? Not to share my book until it was finished.
Do you write under a pen name? No
What are your pet peeves? 1). High taxes. 2). Sizes of women's clothes. There is no consistency among stores. 3). Politicians spend too much time doing nothing.
What are your interests, other than writing? My main interest is helping to preserve our wild horses and I am planning to use some of my book proceeds to further the cause.
Cats or dogs? Dogs.
White wine or red? White
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favorite food? Salad.
What do you normally eat for breakfast? Muffin.
What are 3 things you never leave home without? Shoes, wallet, keys.
Laptop or desktop for writing? Desktop.
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? My study, afternoons.
If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you? Peyton Manning, Steve Jobs, Prince William.
One of your favorite quotes - There is nothing either good or bad - but thinking makes it so...
Shakespeare.
List 3 of your all time favorite books? Portrait of a Lady, by Henry James. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Agony and the Ecstasy, by Irving Stone.
List 3 of your all time favorite movies? 1). Gone with the Wind, 2). The Way We Were 3). A Man for All Seasons.
An actor you have a crush on - Robert Redford.
What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed? The King's Speech.
Where can your readers stalk you?
My facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/messages/#!/p...
My Goodreads author page:http://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_...
Tumblr:http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard
Is your book in Print, ebook or both? Both. On sale at major bookstores. Including Barnes and Noble, Amazon, AuthorHouse, and Vroman's Pasadena, CA. Also available in UK, Canada and Australia.
About the book:
Widowed at thirty, Hannah Bradley is a successful journalist focusing on animal abuse issues. An accidental meeting introduces her to lawyer, Winston Caughfield III. Drawn to Hannah’s gentle beauty and fierce commitment to her work, Win joins her in a fight to save wild mustangs from slaughter. Together they rescue a badly injured horse with a mysterious background. Hannah’s search to discover the animal’s true identity leads them into a web of black marketeering and international intrigue. Action packed with crisp colorful dialogue the story propels the reader to a race against time conclusion. Marilyn Holdsworth delivers a gripping tale of mystery, adventure and romance guaranteed to hold the interest and capture the heart. She brings true-life characters together with real-life issues to create a fast-paced irresistible story.
