Eileen Clymer Schwab has written two powerful, moving, and interesting novels on slavery, the Civil War, and the transitional periods before and after the Civil War. The author has written about the friendship between a plantation mistress and slave in "Promise Bridge" and a young well-bred woman discovering she is the product of a love affair between her father and one of his slaves in her most recent novel, "Shadow of a Quarter Moon" which will be available on July 5, 2011. Schwab creates complex characters and fascinating plots within her novels.
Schwab graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in Communication. She resides in northeast Pennsylvania with her husband and four children.
How did your interest in the Civil War/slavery issues start?
Your first novel, "Promise Bridge" is about the friendship between a plantation mistress named Hannah and a slave girl named Livie. How did you develop the story?
Schwab: "Promise Bridge" is the emotional and highly suspenseful story of two women who transcend social expectations and long-held beliefs to find promise and possibility by being entwined as people rather than parted by their differences. Against great odds, Hannah and Livie bond with each other, change each other, and ultimately save one another. Through their mutual love and support, each of these women achieves a kind of freedom. The physical gesture of the "promise bridge" reflects the heart and soul of the novel. The story developed around their friendship, but quickly became deeply layered with many twists and surprises, in part because of discoveries made in research and a cast of characters based on truths of the time. I've been thrilled by the emotion with which readers have embraced this novel.
Your next novel, "Shadow of a Quarter Moon" which will be released on July 5th is about a well-bred young woman named Jacy who finds out that her true mother is actually one of the slaves on their plantation. Can you tell readers a little more about this upcoming novel?
Schwab: Jacy Lane is a privileged young woman whose life unravels when she learns her true mother is a fair-skinned slave. The revelation destroys Jacy's sense of who she is and where she belongs in the world, particularly when she learns her biological mother and brother are still slaves on the property. Amid the shock and complexities of her mixed heritage, Jacy is simply a woman longing for love, happiness, and a sense of wholeness; however the 1800's are not a simple time. Jacy begins a treacherous journey that is fraught with danger and life-altering choices, and she soon discovers that what she is chasing is as elusive as the secret network she seeks for help.
Of all the characters you have written ranging from well-bred plantation mistresses to slaves with a heart of gold, who has been your favorite character to create?
Schwab: Trying to choose a favorite character is like trying to choose a favorite child... impossible! They are all so special in their own way. In "Shadow of a Quarter Moon", Jacy's journey is so intimate for the reader, you can't help but feel deeply attached and invested in her. Her slave mother, Jerlinda is easy to love with her unfailing devotion, and the runaway, Violet is so integral in Jacy's transformation. Much like Hannah and Livie in "Promise Bridge", the strength and care of these women resonates in me long after completing the novel. Even secondary characters have a mighty impact on me. The freedman, Marcus in "Promise Bridge" and "Shadow of a Quarter Moon's" Sylvan Firth are good examples of characters who became extraordinary because they were composites of true heroes of the time.
Do you have any upcoming projects in the works after the release of "Shadow of a Quarter Moon"?
Schwab: I'm very excited about my next project which is set in the post-Civil War South. It was a very volatile period, particularly after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. About a third of the novel is written and the entire story has been plotted. I have paused momentarily to complete some research. I love the research phase because it's a process of discovery - not just of historical facts, but of tendencies, beliefs, and nuances of the time. Through research, I become better acquainted with my characters and the world around them. Quite often the surprises discovered during research can shift plotlines and shape characters in unexpected ways. Combining research with imagination is the most creative part of the process, and for me, the most exhilarating.
What other time periods or areas of history interest you?
Schwab: Most time periods interest me because I am fascinated with people and how they move through the world, be it Paris in the 1940's or nineteenth century Japan. I love the research. How did friendships, family, and internal conviction empower them against the challenges of the time? But I must admit that I am partial to American history. Having traveled to most areas of the United States, I've seen how diverse we are from region to region; each holding rich and unique sagas within the greater story of our country.
What other historical fiction authors do you admire or enjoy? What authors from the past and present do you enjoy or have inspired you?
Schwab: I have a broad taste in books depending on my mood. I have recently read books by Valerie Martin, James McBride, Mary Mackey, Toni Morrison, and Lisa See. All wonderful. I am inspired by authors who are not afraid to tiptoe into delicate areas and give voice to those deserving of acknowledgement, tribute, and literary life, and do so with responsible and respectful integrity.
Lastly, what is your favorite part of being a writer?
Schwab: There are many things that I love about being a writer, but the one thing I am most grateful for is being read. Writers write because we must. It's like breathing; it's a natural part of our being. We write whether we're published or not. We write when there's no guarantee that another soul will ever read as much as one word of what we've poured our hearts and souls into. Still, we write. So being read is a glorious gift to any author. I am deeply touched when a reader tells me they were moved by my book or that they couldn't put it down. It's truly a dream come true.
*A huge thanks to Eileen Clymer Schwab for this great intervew*
"Shadow of a Quarter Moon" will be available on July 5, 2011
For more information on Eileen Clymer Schwab: http://www.ecschwab.com/
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