Welcome today to author Gail Kittleson. Gail writes Women’s Fiction and memoir, with a focus on the World War II era. She facilitates writing workshops and speaks on writing-related topics. She and her husband enjoy Rim Country during the winter.
And I love your line: Dare to Bloom. That’s a wonderful way to greet your readers. So, first question.
1. Let’s start with something fun. What’s your favorite hobby?
It’s a tie between hiking and reading. Hiking/walking frees my mind, and reading has always intrigued me.
2. Coffee, tea, soda or something else?
I’m a tea person, and Good Earth original Sweet and Spice is my favorite—I could own stock in the company.
3. What are you working on right now?
My work in progress. Right now, it’s called A Distant Goodness, and it’s the sequel to the second in my Women of the Heartland World War II series. Depending on the editor’s opinion of the title, it may change, since my second one did.
4. How would you describe your writing style?
My heroines and heroes juggle difficult questions and situations. I guess that’s obvious, since the stories are set in the midst of a nasty war. I do my best to remain faithful to historical facts, and really enjoy the intensive research required.
5. Do you have any advice for a person just beginning their writing career?
Keep in mind that writing carries no guarantees. It’s a calling (in my humble opinion), and sometimes seems to have a life of its own. If you’re a control freak, you’ll likely experience frustration. And if you’ve put off writing for a long time, never fear—with a little nurturing and a lot of courage, your gift can still blossom.
5. Do you immerse yourself in new situations for writing ideas or do your ideas come to you through your normal, day-to-day life?
The ideas come during regular everyday experiences, but once the main character gets firmly planted in my brain/heart, the research begins. That’s one way of immersing myself in new situations—I try to drop down into the historical era/setting as much as possible. Plotting is tougher than characterization for me, so the research helps the story unfold.
Documentaries and movies can sometimes be helpful, and in my dreams, I plan research trips to London and Southern France. (:
6. Where can we find you on the interwebs?
www.facebook.com/GailKittlesonAuthor
http://twitter.com/gailgkittleson
http://amazon.com/author/gailkittleson
Thank you so much, Gail, for joining us today. We all enjoyed it.
Readers, you can follow Gail on two social media sites, her website and her Amazon page to keep up with her releases. Check them out today.