I was captivated by THE WAYFARING SWAN by Rose Schmidt. The cover enchanted me!
Is love and laughter what you’re after? This refreshingly different romantic comedy is full of surprises and laugh out loud funny. A delightful combination of romance, adventure, and hilarious one liners make for a great summer read.
“It was like finding a pair of sale priced Gucci sandals among December’s winter boots.”
But there is also heartbreaking honesty, love and beauty in this captivating book.
“He loved her with a purity and intensity he never thought possible. If anything happened to her, there would be no hope for him.”
Can there be romance between a modern day “pirate” and a straight-laced young business woman? What happens when a fun-filled vacation turns into real life drama? The Wayfaring Swan is an action-packed race for survival in the Florida Keys as secrets are revealed, and the bonds of love are tested.
An author who can make you laugh with joy one minute, and cry with passion the next? I wanted to get to know her better. So let’s meet Rose Schmidt.
Rose, let’s start off with you telling us a little about yourself.
The short version is I am a rider who writes. I love animals and nature. Horses have been part of my life since I was ten, and I currently own a very opinionated chestnut mare. While I have always been an avid reader, creative writing is a new development for me.
How did you begin writing?
Quite literally, I sat staring at a page for a week. I wrote reports with a very specific format during my career in education, but I had not done any creative writing since high school. Stories were floating around in my head, but the motivation was lacking. The first chapter was a gift to a special friend who needed hope in her life. She said she loved it, and that was all I needed to continue.
Why write comedy?
It had to be part of my writing because it has always been a huge part of my life. I see the world through the lens of humour. It is an amazing feeling to know that something you have said or done made someone smile and brightened their day. It is what I hope my book does for people.
What types of comedy influence your writing?
The genre that comes to mind immediately is the screwball romantic comedy. I grew up watching the classics with my Dad. A favourite was “Bringing Up Baby.” I hope the comedic element of the book has that type of feel to it.
Who would you see starring in a movie version of the book?
If they were still with us, I would say Katherine Hepburn as Liana and Clark Gable as Taron. They were two strong and charismatic personalities. I don’t think they ever made a movie together, but I would have loved to have seen that chemistry on the screen.
What was the hardest thing about writing?
I think it had to be making a fanciful plot feel real and the characters relatable. I constantly asked myself if it was too much or if I had gone too far. It was a huge challenge to integrate comedy with the more serious elements of the story. Timing was everything.
Were there any unexpected surprises along the way?
I quickly found out that I am a writer who likes to have a plot outline and character arcs to work from. What surprised me most was how often the story and characters took on a life of their own. Delia and Jillian were two strong-willed personalities that had me veering off in a different direction. I was happy to take an unexpected detour as long as I had the original road map to keep me on track.
What is the symbolism of the swan in the story?
I do not want to give too much away, but it originated from a childhood experience. My sister and I often went to feed the ducks in a city park. They left for the winter months, but a pair of swans remained. I eventually discovered the reason, and it deeply affected me. I knew it would be part of the story from the beginning.
I also researched animal totems. The swan is about developing your intuition, honouring gut feelings, and going with the flow of life. These are all things that Liana struggles with as the story begins. I also wanted an avian connection to her mother, Jillian. While not native to the Keys, flamingoes are found in southern Florida. The flamingo represents socializing and having fun which is exactly what happens during Jillian’s night in Key West.
Do you believe in love at first sight and that it can last?
It was necessary given the time line of the plot, but I definitely believe that two people can feel instantly connected to each other. As to whether it lasts, you will just have to wait and see!
Image “Boat Sunset” courtesy of 9 Comeback and freedigitalphotos.net
Does this mean a sequel to The Wayfaring Swan is planned?
Definitely. The beginnings of a plot popped into my head before the book was finished. I also have several other story ideas outlined. My choices include small town shenanigans, a reluctant canine hero, and a tree growing in the UK. I can guarantee that humour will be a part of whatever story comes next.
You have a quote at the beginning of each chapter. Can you leave us with a favourite phrase?
Tough question since I am so inspired by quotes. The one that ends the book speaks to my heart the most.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King Jr
I also chose the phrase ‘Dream Big’ for my book signings. It is what I did and what I wish for everyone. Big things can happen if you take that first small step.
Rose, thank you for sharing with us. You are a classy and creative woman. Thank you for “The Wayfaring Swan” and I know your readers will be happy to learn that you will writing more books.
Want to learn more about Rose Schmidt?
ROSE SCHMIDT graduated from the University of Guelph with a master’s degree in psychology. Her studies and professional experience in education helped her glean an inceptive insight into human nature. Rose is a native of Southern Ontario and currently resides in the rolling hills of Dufferin County. THE WAYFARING SWAN is her debut novel. She enjoys the challenge of embedding deeper themes in a writing style that is humourous and lighthearted. Rose is fascinated by characters that are unconventional and transcend stereotypes. When not writing, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and dancing her way through each day. Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation help balance a busy writer’s life.
About the Author
