Interview with author Ginger Simpson

Today on Reviews and Interviews, Ginger Simpson talks about her newest book, Shortcomings.

Retired from her big girl job, Ginger Simpson hoped to devote more time to writing, but caught up in the every day world of promotions, e-mails and chatting, she’s decided that one book a year might just be her norm. She spends some of her free time with husband, Kelly, and always finds time for Spencer, the love of her life. Her grandson, diagnosed with Autism, has shown her that with determination, all things are possible. Look how long it took Grandma Moses to find fame.

Please tell us about your current release, Shortcomings.
Our shortcomings don't define who we are, unless we let them. Cindy Johnson needs to learn that. Born with one leg shorter than the other, she has no self-esteem because of the cruel comments and cold stares she receives from her classmates. When Cory Neil, the football quarterback asks her to Homecoming, she's quite sure he's asked her on a dare and refuses. It takes more than just her mother's assurances that Cindy's beautiful before she realizes she may have made a mistake in turning him down.

What inspired you to write this book?
My books are all character-driven. I’ve never plotted anything ahead of time. I’m very fortunate that a revolving door in my mind is always spinning as new characters come inside with new ideas. Usually they come with a title and named characters. I’m just the fingers that do the typing and add the SHOWING to their TELLING.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m trying very hard to finish Hattie’s Hero, which is another western historical romance. Hattie, unlike most of my characters, is being very quiet and not at all helpful. I may need to learn to plot in order to finish this one. I love the first five chapters she’s shared with me, but I’m at a standstill right now. Perhaps if I move on to something else, she’ll start jabbering.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I’ve always loved to write so I consider I’ve been a writer most of my life. The important moment came for me in May 2003 when my debut novel was published and I became an AUTHOR.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I could never write full-time. As you get older, your joints get stiffer and I have to face reality that movement is imperative to my health. I could sit here for hours on end and be perfectly content on the computer, but I’m forcing myself to do other things…like exercise on my Wii board. Of course, I do housework and laundry, but that doesn’t count. I also make time for my husband because he’s my biggest fan.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I’m not sure I have one. I gave this a lot of thought and nothing came to me. Perhaps the fact that I try and infuse humor into everything I write, no matter how serious. Life without humor is like living without breathing.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a wife and mother and that’s exactly what I am. I grew up playing with dolls, loving the idea of having a baby and caring for it. I don’t feel like I missed out on any of my dreams.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I’ve been around for a long time now so I’m hoping many readers already know me and appreciate my work. For those who don’t, I invite you to visit my website where my work is showcased, and also my blog, Dishin’ It Out. I’m nearing the 50,000 mark and you can help me achieve that milestone. Anyone who visits and comments on this interview will receive a free download of Life is a Bowl of Toilets and I Clean Them, my short humorous.

Thanks Lisa for hosting me today. It’s been fun, and I liked having some different questions to answer.

Thanks for visiting, Ginger! I hope Hattie starts talking to soon. :)