A Romance from the Past

A romance involving a journalist -- now there's a line that will catch my reading interest every time.  As a former TV news person who often writes stories involving reporters or broadcast journalists, I'm always looking for new stories to read in that same field.  So imagine my joy at finding a new romance that also goes back in time to one of my favorite time periods. I'm referring to a new romance from Laura Strickland, my guest today in My Writing Corner.

Her latest release is Words and Dreams. The words of heroine Dorothea Sinclair and the dreams of hero O'Hare sound like a good combination for a romance from the past.

Dorothea Sinclair has left her small home town in Maine and come to Boston to begin a career as a newspaper reporter. But so far her job on the Guardian has proved disappointing. More skivvy than reporter, she's even been subjected to a humiliating proposition from the chief editor's son. She needs a break but never expects it might come from a chance meeting with an Irish Ruffian. 

There's  a great deal of injustice in Boston, and O'Hare, embroiled in his fight for equality on behalf of Boston's Irish, is well aware of it. When he rescues Dorothea's hat on the waterfront, he's surprised to learn she's a reporter. And when she offers him the opportunity to state his case in the Guardian, what can he do but accept? It's the perfect chance to put his dreams into his own words--and the only sure way to see her again.

And of course, putting on my own journalist's hat I had to ask Laura if I could interview O'Hare to find out a little more about him. So, O'Hare, I have some questions for you.  Give us a little of your early history.

Ah, now that’s a story and a half, that is. And a sad story, to boot.  Are you sure you want to hear it, pretty lady? There was a great deal of hunger involved and me being sent out at an early age to work for what stray pennies I could earn. Running errands for wealthy toffs; sweeping up after their horses; even working as a boot black in one of the big houses. Learned a lot there, I did—mostly what I could do without and not to expect anything from anyone.

What brought you to Boston and keeps you there?

My mother brought me away with her when she ran off from the small town in Maine where we lived. I must have been about three at the time she met a traveling salesman, Eugene Browne, and threw in her lot with him. Before that she worked as a barmaid at a tavern called the Hogshead. Gene dragged us hither and yon, being more con man than salesman half the time, and at last to Boston where we settled, if you could call it that.

Why do I stay in Boston now? Well, I guess it’s home, or as close as I’ve got. My employment’s here; I ‘prenticed to a cabinetmaker and worked my way into a fair wage. And there’s the Cause. I’m engaged in the fight for Irish equality here in Boston. You might say I’ve made a bit of a name for myself as Hare O’Hare. Some people call me infamous.

Tell us about meeting Dorothea. What was your first impression of her?

I first saw Dorothea on the waterfront when she was chasing down her hat, that the wind blew away. I don’t think I ever beheld a lovelier woman. Black hair and eyes the deep blue of a sky at night. Skin like alabaster kissed by a rose. She had the class of a lady and the sweetness of a child all rolled into one. Did I fall for her right then and there? I’m not telling.

What draws you to her?

A thousand things.  The way her face lights up when she smiles. How smart she is and how quick her mind, bright as a new penny. The way she can spin words together, making music of them and touching people’s hearts. Most of all, though, I admire her warmth and compassion; Dorothea sees people as people, regardless of how much money they have in their pockets. She’ll feel a stranger’s pain, she will, and weep with him. I’d lay down my life for such a woman.

What is her one trait that makes you upset or drives you to anger?

Well, some people might say she talks too much. I never would, mind, though she will run on and on, especially when she’s happy or enthused about something. I find it a charming trait and love listening to her. I’m not one for saying much, myself, and I like the way she fills up the silences.

What is your biggest hope or dream for the future for yourself?

I learned long ago not to hope for anything. A lad who’s hungry just feels that much hungrier once he starts hoping to get his belly filled. And the less you want, the less disappointed you’re bound to be. Dreams, now, dreams are different: they’re precious things that come along and whisper to you when your guard’s down. Sometimes it’s hard to steel your heart against them. If I were to let myself dream…but no, better not.

For your family or people?

I want justice for the Irish in Boston. I want men who work hard in dirty jobs no one else would tackle to be treated fairly and earn enough so their families won’t go hungry.  I want people to stop calling the Irish here ignorant and lazy, drunkards and savages. I want folks to know these immigrants love and value each one of their children, even if they do have a great flock of them. I want safe conditions on the docks, and rights so a man can’t be turned away from his job just for making a complaint. How can I think about myself, when there’s a fight to be won?

Thank you, O'Hare, and good luck to you in your work and your life and your future with Dorothea.

Here are the buy links if you would like to learn more about O'Hare and Dorothea's romance: 

 Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Words-Dreams-sequel-Forged-Love-ebook/dp/B06XMXFY9X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493650350&sr=8-1&keywords=words+and+dreams+by+laura+strickland

The Wild Rose Press http://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/4954-words-and-dreams.html

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/words-and-dreams-laura-strickland/1125836546?ean=2940157241704

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/words-and-dreams

If you would like to reach Laura, here's how:

 Author Web site: www.laurastricklandbooks.com

Author Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000002632317

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/Laura-Strickland/e/B001KHSACW/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1493650905&sr=8-1

Good Reads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/760146.Laura_Strickland

Thanks, Laura, for being my guest and for bringing me such a wonderful interview subject. I'm looking forward to reading Dorothea and O'Hare's story. Any questions or comments for Laura?