Today we're going to pry into the private life chat with fellow author Gail Kittleson!
Virtual or not, we are all friends here. Since we are all friends, you should know that one of my favorite things to do is talk with my friends at coffee shops and browse the bookstores. Yes, plural. After all, books and yummy drinks are the perfect combination! So consider this our virtual coffee shop. I'll wait a second for you to get your warm drink and a fuzzy blanket before we chat with Gail. <3
When Gail's not steeped in World War II historical research, writing, or editing, you'll find her reading for fun, gardening, or enjoying her grandchildren in Northern Iowa. She delights in interacting with readers who fall in love with her characters.
Gail Kittleson taught college expository writing and ESL before writing women’s historical fiction. From northern Iowa, she facilitates writing workshops and women’s retreats, and enjoys the Arizona Ponderosa forest in winter.
Connect with Gail Kittleson on her website, Facebook, Amazon, Twitter, Instagram, and BookBub!
Interview ~
This may be the most important question I ask -- no pressure or anything, LOL!
*drum roll*
What are you drinking in our virtual coffee house? Coffee? Tea? Hot chocolate? something else altogether?
Tea…a steaming cup hits the spot just about any time. My heroines feel the same, especially those living through WWII, when tea was rationed. Imagine how much a cup of tea came to mean back then. My pioneer heroine loves tea, too—what a coincidence!
Love when our characters have pieces of us in them! If you could order anything in the world to eat (we can dream, can't we?), what would it be?
I think a crusty salmon filet with sweet potato fries and a fresh salad.
Yum! Where is your favorite place to write, and why is that your favorite place?
Whether I’m in Iowa or Arizona, as long as I have my laptop, my office, the living room or the front porch—any of the above.
Sounds wonderful! Do you have an odd habit that is only explained by your bookish, writer tendencies? Safe space. You're among friends. ;-)
Mmm…maybe letting time slip by, forgetting to eat or do housework? I don’t see these as so odd, but they’re definitely connected to my writing.
I can relate to that! What inspired you to write Secondhand Sunsets?
We spend the worst of the winter in the Arizona mountains, under the Mogollon Rim. This area has such intriguing geography, and right away, we noticed there is really no sunset or sunrise, because of the Rim right above us. But we do see the sun “rise” on the western side, across the canyon, and in the evening, sometimes there’s an incredibly rosy hue to the eastern side. That’s a reflection of the sunset. These aspects of our setting are so different from my native Iowa, where everything is flat, that this aspect plays a significant role in the life of my heroine.
In addition, I became interested in the Native Americans who once lived here, plus the weather extremes. At the time I started this novel, the Civil War era/pioneer times interested me, also. Because this area is so isolated, I began to imagine a young woman living here with virtually no contact with anyone but her husband. And his value system left a lot to be desired . . .
That is so cool! What led you to write in this genre?
I hadn’t yet become addicted to the WWII era, for one thing. I may have thought “pioneer” stories would be the easiest for me to write—at least, I kept trying. I left several other pioneer manuscripts by the wayside, but this one just wouldn’t leave me alone. And it needed SO MUCH help!!
Love when a story won't leave you alone! What message do you hope to convey to your readers?
No matter how convoluted our lives become, the complications our bad decision lead to, or the extent of the shame we feel, our God never forsakes us.
Amen! Can you tell us a little about your next project(s)?
I’ve written a Texas Hill Country novel—WWII. It’s unique in that the hero emigrates from England before the war, so he sees things through British eyes. Also, I have a cozy WWII mystery just about ready for submission.
These sound amazing! Do you have a favorite Bible verse or story
that inspires you on a soul level?
I love the story of the woman who touches Jesus’ robe to be healed of her hemorrhaging. Her need is met beyond her wildest dreams—including the shame that accompanied her physical agony. Isn’t it wonderful that we often receive more than we realize we need?
Such a powerful example of God's love! What are you currently reading? Inquiring minds -- mine -- want to know! ;-)
I just finished Prayers For Sale by Sandra Dallas. I don’t often read a book twice, but this one was just as powerful the second time through. Next, I might tackle Victor Davis Hanson’s Carnage and Culture. Not light reading!
Nice! Thank you so much for hanging with us, Gail!
Check out Secondhand Sunsets by Gail Kittleson!
Available on Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Kobo, Apple Books,
and Google Play Books!
Thanks, Joy. This little interview was fun. (:
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hanging with me here! :-)
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