I originally met Hold On Debut Author Meghan Redmille on social media, and we found we had so much in common: our love of reading, vintage, old movies, vintage sewing, dancing, and now writing. She won a raffle I’d run to launch The Girl in the Jitterbug Dress. Now, she’s written her own novel, which I had the pleasure of reading an advanced reader copy. If you like historical fiction, romance, and vintage, you will LOVE her debut novel. Please join me in my interview with Hold On debut author Meghan Redmille.
WRITING HOLD ON
Can you tell us about your upcoming book: Hold On?
–Hold On is a historical fiction novel, based in Canada during the 1930s and 1940s.
Is anything in Hold On based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
-It is inspired by a family secret I only discovered a few years back and family stories my grandparents and parents shared with me.
Did you do any research for the book? What was that like?
-If there’s one thing I love more than writing, it’s researching. I’m a big history nerd, especially when it comes to my favourite eras.
I also thought it was important to include as much Canadian history I could in my novel. I also learned a lot about my own country by doing so.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
-A scene where Kate and her older brother Harry are sitting down on the porch swing, trying to have a heart to heart. The sibling teasing and wanting to be protective over Kate was one of my favourites.
ABOUT HOLD ON DEBUT AUTHOR MEGHAN REDMILLE
Tell us about where you grew up and how that influenced you. As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?
-I grew up on our family farm, one that has been in the family since around 1920 or so. My dad’s mother’s family bought it when she was only a few years old, moving from Montreal to the country.
I was a farm girl and enjoyed being outside the majority of my time. If not, I was inside being creative, either writing, drawing, sewing, or dancing.
I knew I always wanted to do something creative. When I graduated High School, I went into fashion design and marketing. Sadly, it didn’t end up as a career, but helped me perfect and learn new techniques, making my sewing today more enjoyable.
If you live somewhere else now, why did you move there and how has it changed you?
-I moved a lot during my college years, never too far, but ended up back in the same area now. I’m about a 10 minute drive to the family farm, where my dad still is and my sister and mom are down the road. It’s so nice to be able to enjoy the farm, remembering things or places I enjoyed when I was smaller, how things have changed, and seeing it all as an adult has been interesting, and I think I appreciate it more.
What aspect of writing have you most improved in over time and furthermore What resources helped you most in this area?
–Showing not telling and also believing in my writing more. It took some time to share it, scared out of my mind that I’d be told to keep my day job and drop writing.
Between meeting and making friends with authors, signing up to blogs and forums, and learning to set reasonable goals for myself, it made me feel a lot more comfortable and expressive.
Tell us about your day job Hold On debut author Meghan Redmille.
-I work at a call centre, but luckily can work on my writing on my downtime when it’s slow.
What does literary success look like to you?
-Having one person enjoy my story and can connect with a character.
Are you married, single or other.
-Married for just over 3 years, together for 13. It’s funny, my husband’s mother owned a bookstore that I visited often as a child and they’d order books for me… who knew I’d meet him decades later and marry him, who knows how many times we met each other before.
Do you have any pets? Tell us about them.
-We have two miniature dachshunds, Electra is 12, Ginger is around 8 and not so miniature now… We may have fatten her up a little too much after adopting her 5 years ago.
If you joined the circus what act would you do?
-It would have to do something with dance. Hand me a sequin and fringe dress with matching dance shoes and I’ll join!
FOR THE LOVE OF VINTAGE
When did you start wearing vintage?
-I started out in the rockabilly scene about 12 years ago or so. Then gradually started saving up for true vintage… I’ve gone from 50s & 60s, to currently 40s and now dipping my toes into 30s. Joining and performing in a burlesque troupe for over 6 years had a lot to do with my interest in the fashion from the 30s and 40s.
What’s your favorite vintage you own?
-It’s so hard to choose! Probably one of my vintage 1950s wiggle dress, just because I feel like a bombshell in it.
What other books would you recommend for vintage fashionista?
-I’ve enjoyed the 1929 series by ML Gardner. Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner , Those Who Save Us by Jenna Blum… The Gown by Jennifer Robson is next on my list.
Do you sew? What’s the best thing you’ve sewn?
-I’ve been sewing since I was a little girl with my grandmother. I made my prom dress, the bridesmaid dresses for my wedding… but would never have taken on the stress of making my own wedding dress! I’ve made a beautiful 1930s gown, I love feeling glamorous.
Best movie for vintage fashion?
-Tough question… I have TCM channel and usually watch it every weekend for any movies pre 1950. I can’t really choose! Holiday Inn has so many different costume changes and theme though…
Would you want to live in the era of your character?
-If I could bring certain things with me. Women’s rights, ending the stigma about mental illnesses, breaking the traditional man vs. woman roles… Perhaps just visit it time to time to dance to Big Bands or go shopping.
HOLD ON LOVE INTERESTS
Do you believe in love at first sight?
-I think so. I’m a romantic and a dreamer…
What is the first thing you notice about those you’re attracted to?
-If their smile reaches their eyes before their lips.
What’s your favorite love story? (movie or book)
-I’m a sucker for The Notebook. I read it and watched the movie… And how perfect are Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams together?
Who’s your favorite leading man? Why?
-(Book) The dad in Somewhere Picking Dandelions by Diana Douglas… I had my first book hangover when I finished it.
If your book was made into a movie, who would play the male protagonist?
–Bashir Salahuddin
What is something you have that is of sentimental value?
-My grandparents’ photo albums and things my grandfather gave my grandmother during WWII.
Do you write sex scenes and if so, how steamy are they? Using this criteria: Mild/Sweet (Jane Austenish), Medium (intimacy happens “behind closed doors”), Hot (steamy, follows the participants through the door), Nuclear (explicit, carnal, or scorcher. experimental sex, cussing, light bondage), Erotic (multiple sex scenes explicitly described
Hot…
ABOUT HOLD ON
Kate has to decide between losing her family or possibly her life.
Growing up in the Great Depression wasn’t always easy, especially when a small town scandal uprooted Kate’s family to Northern Ontario. When her older brother, Harry, decides he’s had enough of their alcoholic father and moves to Quebec, Kate is left without his guidance and support.
Unaware of her own vulnerability, Kate catches the eye of the ever so handsome, Jacob, who quickly steals her heart, filling the empty spot she’s had for years.
WWII hits Kate hard when family and friends enlist, but nothing in comparison to how the man who was once a dream come true for her, has slowly become her worst nightmare. Just as she begins to accept her fate, a forbidden romance brings her the only hope for survival, and Kate must find her own strength to fight for the life she wants and deserves.
Inspired by a dark family secret passed down from generations, Hold On, is a story of love, passion, and terrible struggles.
Everything you need to know about Hold On debut author Meghan Redmille and her novel. Now, go read!
CONNECT WITH HOLD IN DEBUT AUTHOR MEGHAN REDMILLE
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Have you read Hold On debut author Meghan Redmille’s novel? Tell us about your favorite part. What’s the best thing you like about reading historical fiction? What’s your favorite era? Do you have a favorite movie or book? Who’s your fave vintage leading man?
Tam Francis is a writer, blogger, swing dance teacher, avid vintage collector, and seamstress. She shares her love of this genre through her novels, blog, and short stories. She enjoys hearing from you, sharing ideas, forging friendships, and exchanging guest blogs. For all the Girl in the Jitterbug Dress news, give-aways, events, and excitement, make sure to join her list and like her FB page! Join my list ~ Facebook page