Romancing The Rock

Today I would like to introduce to you another Australian writer whom I have recently met online. We had looked forward to meeting face to face last weekend, but things didn’t work out as planned. Without further ado, here is Madeleine Calcutt of Gippsland, Victoria.

Hi Madeleine. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Australia and my grandparents were missionaries in China. My mum was the ‘black sheep of the family’ because she was an actress, which was frowned upon in those days! I have traveled extensively overseas, was a teacher/librarian and have a daughter, three gorgeous granddaughters, a Maltese Shih-Tzu called Sam and a very bossy cat called Wilson.

What a fascinating heritage and an interesting life you’ve led. What made you want to become a writer?

I am a very creative type of person and have always maintained that I must have been dropped on my head as a baby because I don’t think that the mathematical, logical side of my brain exists due to it being damaged! Although I have written all my life, I only thought in terms of being published about eight years ago because, as a Christian, I was keen for my talent to be used by God to spread His Word.

What do you want readers to take away from your work?

Mainly about the love of God and what is needed to become saved, that is, repentance and loving Jesus as our Savior and Lord. Also, as I am writing a series of historical novels for young adults, I want them to be informed about important aspects of history in an entertaining way.

Now you’re talking like a woman after my own heart. 🙂 Just for something different, what is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Doing this interview! Nah! Joking! I have to say that the crazy things I did in my youth and even beyond, before I became a Christian and ‘cleaned up my act’, were very self-destructive.

I think many of us have that opinion of our lives before Christ.  Can you tell us a bit about your novel?

My novel, ‘Step of Faith’ is set on the east coast of Australia and the main themes are: dealing with the past; finding peace via the love of Jesus; romance; single parents; grieving and running away from troubles.

Back Cover Blurb:

A ‘sea change’ can be a step of faith. It certainly was for Caitlin, who left the busy city of Sydney to move to the little fishing village of Maya Bay on the East Coast of New South Wales in Australia. It was on impulse, but, as she settled in, she felt that maybe she was meant to be there. Especially so after she came to know Stewart Nottingham, a Christian widower with two small children. Caitlin’s great love for children, and her pressing hope to be a mother one day, is reflected in her kind and thoughtful ‘mothering’ of these children. Her trials and difficulties with this venture present themselves as the story progresses. The reader becomes aware of the deep feelings Stewart and Caitlin develop for each other, but Stewart’s ineptitude at expressing them and his problems concerning grief over his deceased wife, bring about hurt, bitterness and confusion. Although the one thing that remains constant is their developing attachment to each other, misunderstandings occur and it appears that their relationship is going nowhere. However, the emotions associated with their deep love cannot be kept bottled up forever. Can these problems be resolved?
In ‘Step of Faith’ the reader discovers how powerful love is, especially God’s love.

What are you working on now?

I have just completed writing the second in the historical fictional series which is based on important times in history as seen through the eyes of young girls, and this one concerns convicts and the pioneering of Australia. The first one, which has been published already, tells of the Mayflower voyage and pioneering of America. At present, I am working on the third novel in this series and this is about WWII and the Blitz. I have plans for many more, the market being mainly schools.

Sounds like great story material Madeleine. I hope this series does well for you. Where can we find you on the internet?

My website address is http://madeleinecalcutt.wordpress.com

Thanks for joining me on Romancing the Rock, Madeleine. All the best for your historical series. :)