CHRW Meet The Member:

Beth Trissel

How long have you been a member of Celtic Hearts?
What prompted you to join this chapter?
Love of all things Celtic combined with my Scot’s heritage.

What are some of the benefits you favor most about being a member of RWA and/or CHRW?
I’ve learned a LOT about honing my writing from RWA, and CHRW is an invaluable resource of Celtic info. If I have a question I know some member will supply the answer.

Do you belong to any other RWA chapters or writing groups?
The Golden Network for Golden Heart finalists and Virginia Romance Writers.

You’ve recently signed with a publisher. Tell us about your writing journey before and after this point in your life, and the details about your upcoming releases.
After 12 plus years of writing, querying agents (had several along the way) and editors, and entering contests with growing success, I signed with The Wild Rose Press in 2008. I now have eight titles out in both historical and light paranormal romance and two more historicals due out later this year.

When you are not writing, what are your hobbies, passions, etc?

Gardening. Herbal lore. Family. I spend a lot of time with small people to whom I’m devoted and related (five grandbabies and three young nieces) and love my cats and dogs…adore Netflix and Hulu Plus. I love my long suffering husband who has always supported me in all my endeavors especially my writing.

What place inspires you the most?
The rich history and beauty of my beloved Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley where I live. My Scots-Irish ancestors were among the earliest settlers here. Those who have gone before me are an enormous influence.

What historical person would you want to meet and why? What question would you want answered?
Thomas Jefferson, John and Abigail Adams, some of the founding fathers and mothers who would roll over in their graves at the state America’s in now. I’d ask them to clarify their intent as it appears lost on so many in government these days.

Do you have any pets?
YES. A lot.

What area did you grow up in?
Spent my early childhood in Taiwan where my parents taught English. Rather ‘Indian Jones’ Temple of Doom with the primitive folk up in the mountains there. At age five, I visited my missionary grandparents in the Philippines, which I preferred. Back to the states at age six and Bristol, Tennessee where my dad taught English at King’s College. After four years we journeyed to Knoxville where he got his doctorate. I was entering the seventh grade when we moved to the Shenandoah Valley—home base—where he taught at Bridgewater College. I married my farmer hubby—we were high school sweethearts— and I’ve not budged since. Felt like I’d died and gone to heaven when we moved to the valley.

Tell us something special or fun about the area you live in now.
It’s absolutely gorgeous! And the history is amazing. You can reach out and touch it.

If you could have any super hero power, what would it be?
Fly I have several grandbabies who want to fly. One claims she can.

Share 7 fun facts about you that most people don’t know.
1. I wish I did have superhuman powers.
2. I long for a blue and orange kitten.
3. Want to plant my entire yard in herbs and flowers. No grass. Just paths.
4. Would like to write YA paranormal but hated high school and suspect unless I have a good excuse my teen characters would have to attend one.
5. I’d like to know if Big Foot is real.
6. I’m currently addicted to Grimm.
7. Keenly awaiting the release of the Hobbit. Big Rings fan.

Thanks for having me on this lovely blog.