I still can’t believe it’s been a year since GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN hit bookstore shelves. After seven years of research, writing, editing, querying, waiting, and praying through submissions, the hardback release went by fast. That may have something to do with the fact I was writing like a mad-woman to get Book 2 completed by deadline. But since Book 2 was dutifully turned in, I’ve been reflecting on this wild and wonderful year, and suddenly it’s time to talk about GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN again. To celebrate, here are 10 interesting moments from my first year as a published author:

1)   I’m fortunate to have a circle of wise authorly friends, and during a moment of freaking out before release, one of them said, “Try to enjoy it, it’s like getting your author cherry popped.” It made me laugh, made me relax, and I really did enjoy it!

2)   Social media on release day was chock-full of memorable moments as friends, family, fellow authors, and friends of friends shouted out to the word about GIRL’s release. Each and every post and comment touched my heart.

3)   The moment I got my first bad review sucked more than I ever thought suck could suck. I don’t think I’ve ever used the word “suck” on my blog before (another memorable moment!). After internet-stalking the person who wrote it and lamenting all indications the reviewer obviously hadn’t read half the novel and hadn’t understood the other half…I got over it. Not everyone’s going to like my work. It taught me to stop reading reviews unless my publicist send them to me!

4)   When I received word from my publicist that we’d gotten a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, my heart soared over the moon. It was a great review and I will always be grateful to the reviewer who took the time to phrase it. Thankfully this moment came quickly upon the heels of #3, and is part of the reason #3 was so easy to get over.  I’ve received a number of heartwarming and wonderful reviews and industry nods since, and I deeply appreciate each of them!

5)   Media interview moments can be nerve wracking. My first radio interview was conducted over the phone. I was scheduled to leave home immediately after it for a library event out of town so I was  crunched for time, plus I was extremely nervous about being on the radio! So nervous, in fact, I started to sweat all over, threatening to mess up my library-event-outfit! The only sensible thing to do was to lock myself in my bedroom and strip down until the interview was over. I will never tell which radio interview it was, but yes, I was almost naked while I gave that interview. One good thing from this experience (besides having the awesome interview aired!) was that I learned how to calm down and prevent “interview-sweats” before my television interview. I’m not sure a half naked author would have been taken seriously on television…

6)   Signing books at the bookstore on release day – whoa. First of all, I’m holding this glossy, heavy hardback dotted with blurbs provided by my generous authorly friends, and I’m surrounded by readers, family, friends…people who showed up in a big way…people who wanted to read what I wrote! Truly humbling. Chokes me up just writing about it.

7)   Blog interviews take up more than a moment, but it took no time at all to realize how wonderful bloggers are. I had the good fortune to be interviewed on some excellent blogs by thoughtful people. I cannot even begin to name all the wonderful blogs and how much I enjoyed each blogger! I have a deep appreciation for the blogging community out there who help spread the word about books-thanks to all of you!

8)   At one of my signings, a particular gentleman peppered me with publishing questions (how’d I get my agent? how’d I get a book deal?) without ever buying a book. As he finally wound down, he took a breath, gave me the once over then said, “You don’t look like a historical fiction author.” While my dear sweet husband turned three shades of red, I, in my black leather high heeled boots and long blonde hair, shrugged it off. It was a moment that shouldn’t have occurred, (exactly how should I look?!) but I appreciated my husband’s protective response. It taught me to expect the unexpected at public events.

9)   The following moment happened more times than I care to admit, when someone would approach my signing table at a bookstore and ask, “Where can I find DIVERGENT?” For the record, I was able to direct each of them! Nor was I upset. I’m always thrilled to see shoppers in bookstores!

10)  Bookstore signings are crowding out my list of memorable moments! I thoroughly loved each and every bookstore that hosted me, but my all time doozy moment did happen at a bookstore. A reader told me their mother had hated my book. This reader quoted their mother who had apparently said, “That is a terrible book because it’s set in the olden days. The only way a book like that could get published is if the author knew someone in the business.” My dear husband turned redder than red (again). But I actually laughed out loud at this one (a LOT). Any author will tell you, publishing doesn’t work that way! My amused response made me realize that nothing can taint the joy of having my book published and out in the world!

I hope this sampling of my exciting year was entertaining for you as it was fun for me! If you haven’t read GIRL, I hope you’ll pick her up in paperback here or here! This latest release has even brought the kindle price down!

You know, I think it’s time I shared the details of this wild year – the ups and downs, the laughs and the face-palm moments. Check back soon for more!

GIving GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN away free!

Ride the TITLE WAVE into the 17th century

Books by Eve LaPlante, David Teems, Francis Bremer, John Fox, and Nathaniel Philbrick.

There’s a vast crowd of enthusiasts reading and discussing everything medieval and renaissance. But time didn’t stop with Elizabeth Tudor’s death in 1603. Are you looking for the rest of the story?

King James, his son King Charles I, and grandsons Charles II and James II kept the drama level high and dangerous in the seventeenth century. Their marriages and lovers, births and deaths, political intrigues, religious conflicts, witch hunts, and wars marked the beginning of our modern period. Their aristocrats and politicians, tradesmen, midwives, ministers, writers, musicians, scientists, and artists changed the world.

Have you noticed that it’s the gift-giving season?  Why not knock out your whole gift list right now with these suggestions? The gift of a book is one that’s remembered for years. Some people find it convenient to buy books for all their siblings, or as appreciation gifts for their children’s teachers. You might give paperback books to some in the family, or use the Kindle-gift option. Some books are stand-alone, some are part of a series.

This is a list of authors who have the 17^th century covered, from Shakespeare and midwife forensic investigators to barber surgeons, Charles II’s mistresses, men and women who founded American democracy, servants and highway robbers, people who gave their lives for their principles or just because they were falsely accused as witches. In these books you’ll find sumptuous gowns and high society, educated women, poverty, prostitutes, and massacres, childbirth and plague, castles and manors, cathedrals and meetinghouses—even a vampire.

Our ninth or tenth great-grandparents knew these people—or were these people. (Well, probably not the vampire—but everyone else!) Discover what their lives were like, and how their lives formed who you are. Many of the book characters from the 17^thcentury are based on facts, events, and real people. The authors, in addition to their literary skills, have spent months and years in research to get the 17^th century world “just right,” so you’ll get your history veggies in a delicious brownie.

Ride the wave of the time-space continuum into the 17^th century with these award-winning and highly-rated authors. The images you see are a small sample of what’s available from this talented group! Click  the author’s name to open a new tab.

Anna Belfrage — Time-slip (then and now) love and war.	Jo Ann Butler — From England to New England: survival, love, and a dynasty.	Susanna Calkins — Murder mysteries set in 1660s London.
Francine Howarth — Heroines, swashbuckling romance.	Judith James — Rakes and rogues of the Restoration.	Marci Jefferson — Royal Stuarts in Restoration England.
Elizabeth Kales — French Huguenot survival of Inquisition.	Juliet Haines Mofford — True crime of New England, pirates.	Mary Novik — Rev. John Donne and daughter.
Donald Michael Platt — Spanish Inquisition cloak and dagger.	Katherine Pym — London in the 1660s.	Diane Rapaport — Colonial New England true crime.
Peni Jo Renner — Salem witch trials.	Christy K Robinson — British founders of American democracy and rights.	Anita Seymour —  Royalists and rebels in English Civil War.
Mary Sharratt — Witches (healers) of Pendle Hill, 1612.	Alison Stuart — Time-slip war romance, ghosts.	Deborah Swift — Servant girls running for lives, highwaywoman.
Ann Swinfen — Farmers fighting to keep land, chronicles of Portuguese physician.	Sam Thomas — Midwife solves murders in city of York.	Suzy Witten — Salem witch trials.
Andrea Zuvich — Vampire in Stuart reign, Duke of Monmouth and mistress.

Girl on the Golden Coin Pear-Themed Gift Giveaway

Girl on the Golden Coin has been on shelves for two months now. Two whole months- yet they’ve flown, full of incredible experiences. I’ve visited fabulous bookstores in Indiana, Ohio, and Virginia. Family and friends have thrown parties (yes-plural!). Friends have shown up at events everywhere. I’ve received touching congratulatory gifts. I’ve met the most amazing readers. Readers have written me sweet notes. I’ve spoken to generous hosts on both television and radio. I’ve been welcomed on the coolest book blogs on the web. I cannot thank the world enough for treating Girl on the Golden Coin so well.

It’s been amazing, and I’m feeling deeply grateful.

My publisher has sponsored several giveaways already-I can’t even count how many books they’ve given away! Plus, I’ve passed out five hundred bookmarks, hundreds of chocolate-gold-coins, and given away dozens of little prizes here and there. Why? As a way to give back…and because it’s just fun!

Today I’m doing something different. To celebrate the two-month milestone, I’m giving away this Girl on the Golden Coin pearl-themed gift box!

To enter the giveaway, sign up for my newsletter! One winner in the US will be selected May 11th.

What’s in a Girl on the Golden Coin Pearl-Themed Gift box?

An autographed copy of Girl on the Golden Coin
Seventeenth century-style pearl drop and sterling silver earrings
Peace Pearl Candle from Aroma Naturals
Jasmine Pearl Tea from the Republic of Tea
Midnight Pearl solid perfume from Oriflame
Godiva Chocolate Pearls
Chocolate Gold Coins
Custom tasseled bookmark
Custom silver charm bookmark
A Frances Stuart-style gold scarf

Oh, if you’re already on my newsletter list, no need to sign up again! The winner will be selected at random from the entire list! Good luck!

Advance Reader Copies of GIRL ON THE GOLDEN COIN

This means my publisher is now sending review copies out to bloggers and trade reviewers…so on second thought…maybe I’m nervous about it!!! Actually, I’ve been so focused on my new novel, that I just realized my publisher has ALSO set up a giveaway on Goodreads! If you’re interested, hop over and enter to win one of fifty free copies! Good luck!

Girl on the Golden Coin, a Novel of Frances Stuart

My very first novel is about the seventeenth century beauty who rejected three kings and graced England’s coins for generations as the model for Britannia. It will release February 11, 2014 from Thomas Dunne Books / St. Martin’s Press. But I’m in the mood to celebrate this triumphant cover right now! Pre-order before the end of the week and comment on this blog post for a chance to win a pair of sterling-silver pearl-drop earrings like the ones Frances wears on the cover (be prepared to present your receipt).

FIND IT HERE:

Barnes & Noble

IndieBound

Amazon

Goodreads

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK

Impoverished and exiled to the French countryside after the overthrow of the English Crown, Frances Stuart survives merely by her blood-relation to the Stuart Royals. But in 1660, the Restoration of Stuart Monarchy in England returns her family to favor. Frances discards threadbare gowns and springs to gilded Fontainebleau Palace, where she soon catches King Louis XIV’s eye. But Frances is no ordinary court beauty, she has Stuart secrets to keep and people to protect. The king turns vengeful when she rejects his offer to become his Official Mistress. He banishes her to England with orders to seduce King Charles II and stop a war.

Armed in pearls and silk, Frances maneuvers through the political turbulence of Whitehall Palace, but still can’t afford to stir a scandal. Her tactic to inspire King Charles to greatness captivates him. He believes her love can make him an honest man and even chooses Frances to pose as Britannia for England’s coins. Frances survives the Great Fire, the Great Plague, and the debauchery of the Restoration Court, yet loses her heart to the very king she must control. Until she is forced to choose between love or war.

On the eve of England’s Glorious Revolution, James II forces Frances to decide whether to remain loyal to her Stuart heritage or, like England, make her stand for Liberty. Her portrait as Britannia is minted on every copper coin. There she remains for generations, an enduring symbol of Britain’s independent spirit and her own struggle for freedom.

ADVANCE PRAISE

“In her wonderfully evocative debut, Girl on the Golden Coin, Marci Jefferson recreates the fascinating story of Frances Stuart, whose influence over England’s Charles II became the talk of a nation. As vibrant and delightful as the woman it’s based on, Girl on the Golden Coin is a jewel of a novel!”

—Michelle Moran, national bestselling author of The Second Empress and Madame Tussaud

“Beauty is not always a blessing, as young Frances Stuart finds out when her lovely face pits her between the desires and politics of rival kings Louis XIV and Charles II. Frances makes an appealing heroine, by turns wary and passionate, sophisticated and innocent, as she matures from destitute young pawn to the majestic duchess whose figure would grace Britain’s coins for centuries. Her struggles to support her loved ones, uncover her family secrets, and somehow find a life of her own amid the snake-pit courts of the Sun King and the Merry Monarch make for lively, entertaining reading in this lush Restoration novel by debut author Marci Jefferson.”

—Kate Quinn, national bestselling author of Mistress of Rome

“Girl on the Golden Coin is a fantastic novel. I couldn’t put it down. The plot is fast-paced and compelling, with intriguing characters, lush settings and captivating narrative voice. Jefferson’s debut paints an intriguing portrait of Frances Stuart, a novel worthy of the determined, golden spirit of the woman whose face became the model for Britannia herself.”

—Susan Spann, author of Claws of the Cat

“Girl on the Golden Coin is a sexy, exciting tale featuring vivid characters, rich historical detail, scintillating court intrigue, and a complexly rendered heroine in Frances Stuart, Maid of Honor to the Queen of England, who will capture the reader’s heart — as will the man she loves, that rascal King Charles II.”

– Sherry Jones, author, FOUR SISTERS, ALL QUEENS

Marci Jefferson’s Lavender Sachets: three tablespoons of dried lavender buds and five drops of lavender essential oil

But I’m not the only one entranced by lavender’s heady charms. Ancient Roman soldiers supposedly used it to perfume their bathwater. They are the ones likely responsible for importing it in 200 BC to England, where tourists still love to buy bars of lavender soap. Around 40 AD the Greek physician Pedanius Discordes wrote De Materia Medica, and proclaimed lavender to be “like Hyssop, good for griefs in the thorax. It is also mingled profitably with Antidotes.” His botanical wisdom was quoted up through the seventeenth century, when the English followed the example set by the Stuart Royals and used lavender in perfumes. Look for more about that in posts to come!

Personally, one of my favorite uses for lavender is in linen drawer sachets. I belong to a group of lady writers who have become very dear friends over the last year; they comfort through disappointments, cheer through victories. One of them is handy at the pottery wheel, and sent me a delightful tea mug. The only payment she requested was that I pay the shipping cost forward. So I distributed the sachets above to everyone in the group. It was an appropriate gift, I think, to give soothing lavender to my comforting friends.

Tiramisu Trifle

Spring Break 2013 started with a Big Easter Bang and ended with Big Book News. Not much beats a family gathering with lots of delicious food. And what does a historical fiction author take to Easter potluck? Dessert with a history stretching back to seventeenth century Italy; a Tiramisu Trifle! As part of the This Writer’s Life category on my blog, I’m posting the recipe today. I promise it’s easy, because This Writer has kids and a nursing career and a house and there are just limits to what one woman can accomplish in a day!

And the Big Book News? Well, my debut novel has a new title! It’s still about the beautiful Royalist exile who rejected three of the seventeenth century’s most illustrious kings. But she also graced England’s coins for generations as the model for Britannia, which is why I’m proud to announce the new title here for the first time …

Girl on the Golden Coin,

a Novel of Frances Stuart

Now bear with me while I attempt to scrub out all mentions of the old title in previous posts. And update Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, my website, third cousins, and my mail carrier. Whew! All this excitement calls for celebration with another Tiramisu Trifle!

Marci’s Tiramisu Trifle

Ingredients:

packaged lady fingers (enough for 3 layers in your trifle dish)

two 8 ounce packages mascarpone cheese

two cups heavy cream

one cup sugar

one cup espresso

one or two cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for chocolate curls

Instructions:

Layer the bottom of your trifle dish with lady fingers (I halved mine to get the edges closer to the curve of the dish). Brush espresso over the lady fingers (or use a turkey baster – the spongy cookies absorb liquid well). Stir half of the sugar and mascarpone cheese in a bowl. In a separate, chilled bowl, whisk heavy cream and the other half of the sugar together until stiff peaks form. Fold the cheese mixture into the cream mixture. Proceed to layer this mixture with the lady fingers (adjust according to the size of your dish, mine held three layers of each). Don’t forget to brush each layer of lady fingers with espresso. End with a cream layer and top with chocolate curls. Refrigerate until time to serve. Enjoy!

To make chocolate curls:

Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second intervals. Spread into a thin layer on a cookie sheet and allow to harden. Use a metal spatula to scrape the edges of the chocolate away from you to form curls (this takes some practice, but even if it just flakes it will be pretty on top of the cream).

Historical cosmetics lovers, have no fear. My spring break travels took me to a wonderful museum exhibit in Cincinnati that I’ll share with you soon. Photos of ancient cosmetic containers may even be included!

The lipsticks we know, in retractable tubes, were invented in 1915. Lipstick itself, however, has been around for thousands of years. Archeologists discovered a five thousand year old sample of lip rouge in an Egyptian tomb, and Etruscan women still rouged their lips in the sixth century B.C. In the fourth century, early Christians began their unceasing complaints against cosmetics, including lip paints. Even when Europe was thrust into the Dark Ages, men and women in the thriving Indus Valley enhanced their lips with betel.

Ladies in the Middle Ages went for a pale look, and if lips were rouged it was lightly. They used plant matter and minerals. The colorful Queen Elizabeth I’s lips were painted “rubie red.” And by the time James I united Scotland and England as the first Stuart Monarch, cosmetics were more widespread.

The primary lip colorant in use from then into the Restoration Period, and used in my upcoming novel, was known as Spanish Red. The Spanish created this with cochineal insects imported from the Americas. It came on paper and was applied moistened with water or dry with a cloth.

This is an image of just how those prized cochineal bugs were collected.

Indian Collecting Cochineal with a Deer tail

In 1740 an alternate became available when a recipe for Red Pomatum for the Lips was published. It called for melted white wax, ox marrow, white pomatum, and a dram of alkanet stirred in until the concoction acquired a red color. I don’t know about you, but I’ll stick to my handy tube of lip gloss!