Finding Uncle Newton and His Nemesis Blog Tour: Author Interview + Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Finding Uncle Newton and his Nemesis by Douglas P. Cornelius, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Finding Uncle Newton and his Nemesis 
Author: Douglas P. Cornelius
Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
Release Date: March 15, 2021
Genre: Middle Grade/Teen Historical Fiction (age 13-17)

She is outgoing, but orphaned. He is introverted, but a world-renowned scientist. Would moving in with Uncle Isaac Newton work? When his head was always in a book or the Bible? 

Teen-aged Catherine Barton tries desperately to connect, so seeks a match for her energy in the London coffeehouses. That women were not welcome there in the late 1690’s would not stop her, and she does find promising boyfriend John. 

Meanwhile, Uncle Isaac, as new Warden of the Mint, has his own challenges—nabbing counterfeiters, including the notorious, William Chaloner. He enlists Catherine to spy at the coffeehouse, and she welcomes the bond—all until boyfriend John gets implicated in a counterfeiting scheme. 

Then a case of smallpox, a pandemic scourge that had killed millions just decades earlier, sends her off to dreaded isolation in the countryside. 

And Uncle Isaac’s battle to nab the devious Chaloner turns into a challenging chess match. Will famous scientist Newton be embarrassed by a scofflaw from the street? Will Catherine ever find her true connection? 

Based on actual historical events and people. Author is a prior recipient of Moonbeam and Illumination Awards for books for faith-driven teens.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

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Illumination and Moonbeam award-winning author Douglas P. Cornelius hails from the Twin Cities, MN. He began writing after careers at Target, Ameriprise, and 3M. A Cornell University graduate, his hope is to reveal the lives of impactful Christian figures through story, rather than biography. Doug has been married for 45 years and has two children, three grandchildren, cat Selah, and new puppy Scout.

CONNECT WITH DOUGLAS: Website | Twitter

 

Welcome Douglas! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and allow my readers a chance to get to know you and your newest book Finding Uncle Newton.

I always like to start these interviews the same way with something fun to break the ice with 5 random facts about you, but because this is your second time here, we’ll mix it up a bit.

Can you share 5 random facts about this book?
·         Before researching, I had no idea Isaac Newton’s faith was such an integral part of his life (as evidenced by one of his King James Bibles needing to be rebound due to use in 1668).
·         Many London coffeehouses were like the Starbuck’s of the day, and I make reference to one that Newton frequented with several of God’s creature mounted on the wall.
·         In his biography, Priest of Nature, Rob Iliffe cites Newton’s reference to scripture over 250 times.
·         I was very much surprised that step-niece, Catherine, was likely an orphan, as claimed in the Newton Project.
·         The coincidence of the times being marked by a pandemic (smallpox) killing millions, meant that it must be included in my story, and physical separation to the countryside was in order.

What drew you to writing historical fiction?
History has determined who we are today, and I believe that’s something to be taught. I’m striving to teach about Christians of the past who left an indelible mark.

Isaac Newton is clearly a well-known person in history, was it intimidating to write about a true life character? What research went into trying to keep him accurate to history?
No, I was not intimidated. There are so many books available, I had a wealth of information from which to pull relevant pieces. The beauty of historical fiction is that the author can pick and choose which pieces best support his story.

What is the most challenging part of bringing history to life through fiction?
Of course, with fiction the options are boundless. The challenging part is crafting a story that is true to the character and order of events of the historical person. That is paramount. Through interaction with the fictional characters, that person is revealed. As author, you’re continually cautioning yourself not to misrepresent the famous person with something he or she wouldn’t have said or done.

Can you tell us a little bit more about Finding Uncle Newton?

Much of the story deals with Newton’s efforts to nab counterfeiters in his actual role in London as Warden of the Mint (BTW, there’s a review out on Amazon that incorrectly states this part of the story is fiction—to the contrary.) This all comes after he did much of his scientific work, although that is referenced briefly in a few teaching moments, as well as the role of Newton’s faith.
Outgoing step-niece Catherine moves in with her introverted uncle, but is frustrated trying to relate. She welcomes the opportunity to spy in the coffeehouses on his behalf—all until her boyfriend is implicated. Sacrifice will no doubt be required, but by whom and to who’s benefit?

Where did the inspiration for this story come from?
The inspiration came to me one day while reading a newspaper article about the growth of Christianity in China. When asked why, one young man replied: “Two words—Isaac Newton. I was surprised, knowing nothing about Newton’s faith, and figured most people didn’t, either.


What do you hope readers will take away from the book?

I hope the reader will get re-enforcement that science and faith are not mutually exclusive. One of the world’s greatest scientific minds believed that the laws of science are those of their master Creator--God.
 
Thank you again for taking the time to answer these questions. Before you go, are there any other projects you are currently working on that you can share?
 
A story about Mother Theresa is in its infancy.
 
Thank you!

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(1) winner will receive a print copy of Finding Uncle Newton and his Nemesis, winner's choice of another book by the author, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 4, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 11, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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