Interview with debut women's fiction author Karen Leigh Gruber

Today’s special author is Karen Leigh Gruber to chat with me about her new women’s fiction, When Lions Roar.

During her virtual book tour, Karen will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To enter for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

Karen Gruber is an international #1 best-selling contributing author, inspirational speaker, and a Leadership Development Coach for women and moms. She specializes in inspiring moms to realize their potential as mothers, women, and leaders. Karen has had extensive specialized training in parenting, feminine spirituality, and leadership. Over the past 15 years she has provided innovative leadership coaching for moms and has dramatically transformed her own life.

Sharing her life with her husband Jim and daughter Jaymie, presenting her message to other women, and traveling the world bring her the greatest joy.

She is the founder of The Inspired Mama, a company located in gorgeous Denver, Colorado that focuses on the inspiration, leadership, and wellbeing of women and moms.

When Lions Roar is Karen’s debut fictional work. She is freakish about Christmas lights and loves to play Baccarat.

Welcome, Karen. Please tell us a little bit about your debut release.

Two women from different lands, each struggling to survive; a child’s mysterious disappearance will alter both their lives forever…

Maggie has become unrecognizable to herself, succumbing to the predictability of being a mother and wife. Every day she reminds her daughter to brush her teeth, has the same conversation with her husband about what’s for dinner. Maggie struggles to cope with the disenchantment of the monotonous tedium that has become her life. Despite her boredom, when her husband David is called on assignment to South Africa, Maggie resents having to rearrange her life just because David has decided they all need to traipse halfway across the globe.

While on safari, Maggie awakens one morning to a mother’s worst nightmare; their daughter Hannah has gone missing. Just when things can’t get any worse, Maggie is confronted with the harsh truth of her emotionally abusive marriage and what she has allowed her life to become.

When Lions Roar is set against the backdrop of the exotic and intriguing landscape of South Africa, when the country is reeling from the aftershocks of apartheid. Will Maggie find the strength and courage to abandon the fragile ties of her marriage and confront her self-destruction in time to save the life of her daughter?

Excerpt from When Lions Roar:

After several days, while David had left on assignment, Akilah came to see me. Although there was alarm in her eyes when she first saw me, that shifted to compassion as she found me lying across the bed. Unwashed for weeks now, my mouth was crusted over and my hair a tangled mess. I reeked of alcohol, filth, and despair. Quickly, she ran to the bathroom and started the tub. Gingerly, she lifted my arms and began to guide me toward the tub. I resisted her.

“David is coming back. He will find you here. You must leave,” I pleaded.

“Not until you are washed.” She helped me into the bath and proceeded to wash me as one would wash a little baby. It was with such tenderness and loving hands, I thought I might simply dissolve under her touch. She started at my neck, face, and mouth and wiped away the crust that had been lingering there for far too long. She lifted each arm with the warmheartedness of a mother. As she washed up and down the length of my arm, I couldn’t help but notice the contrast of her dark skin, which seemed so strong compared to my delicate white skin that could peel away at any moment. She pitched the top half of my limp body forward in order to scrub my back. I could feel the suds from the sponge trickle down my spine into the water below.

What are four things you can’t live without?

I'm going to take this very literally, because of course there are people that I could not live without, but things: rich dark coffee, lip balm, books, and flowers.

What is your favorite television show?

I recently got turned onto Shitt$ Creek and I am loving it. The characters are so over the top and the acting is phenomenal. The dialog is clever, and I laugh simply watching the facial expressions and body language.

If you could be any character, from any literary work, who would you choose to be? Why?

I would choose to be Scarlett O'Hara because this character got to experience so many facets of life from grandeur of great wealth and beauty to despair and poverty through war. The character of Scarlett O’Hara experienced so much of life that many of us will never see.

What have you got coming soon for us to look out for?

My next book that I'm working on is nonfiction, titled Sacred Sex Ed for Girls. This is a coming of age book, dealing with issues that young girls and women in general deal with throughout their entire lives. It is my belief that if we teach sex education in a different way our girls will be safer, happier, more confident and self-loving.

What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

My favorite book of all time is Gone with the Wind. I love how Margaret Mitchell takes you from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows without missing anything in between. Her prose makes you feel like you're on the plantation or you're at the barbecue or in the hospital ward, it is an incredible journey to be taken on.

I admire authors who do something different with their writing like Wide Sargasso Sea, where Jean Rhys took a classic Jane Eyre and the reference to the crazy woman in the attic and turned it into a turn to a new story, into a prequel. She created a story of the woman in the attic and how she came to be there. Writing like that is fascinating. This kind of creativity and out of the box thinking is not a formula, it is influential and inspiring. I hope readers feel the same about When Lions Roar.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Book Pre-sale | Amazon

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Interview with women's fiction author Merida Johns

Author Merida Johns joins me today to chat about her women’s romance, Blackhorse Road.

During her virtual book tour, Merida will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky, randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops, and enter there, too!

Welcome, Merida. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

For three decades, I was a university professor who taught classes and wrote textbooks on “nerdy” subjects centering on computer systems in healthcare.

But a decade ago, informed by my experience in a male-dominated area, I started my practice as a leadership coach to help women break the glass ceiling and fulfill their leadership and economic potential. Consequently, during the past ten years, I transitioned from writing textbooks to motivational books on creating environments where people flourish through better leadership.

About a year ago, I was on a conference call discussing concepts of what makes a fulfilling life with fellow life coaches. Bang! Like a thunderclap, I had an insight. What would it be like to help people understand the concepts of a flourishing life in a story instead of through a motivational book or text? After all, I thought, storytelling has been the most compelling form of communication for thousands of years. As far as I could recall, none of the great prophets fed up learning objectives and multiple-choice questions to their followers. No! They got their message across through stories.

Motivational books and textbooks give frameworks, theories, and ideas, but they don’t immerse us in the human experience. They don’t show us how others face challenges, embrace their passions, overcome sorrow, celebrate achievement, quash self-doubts, develop positive emotions and relationships, handle betrayal, or act on aspirations.

Storytelling ignites our imagination and emotion. We experience being part of the story rather than being served up a platter of facts, exercises, and information.

This eye-opener was enough for me to take on the challenge of novel writing. My passion is to help people catapult beyond concepts and theories and jump into the wonderment of imagination in designing a flourishing life for themselves. Storytelling does this best.

Happily, as a fiction writer, I have jettisoned learning objectives and test questions. Ah…the freedom makes me feel as light as a balloon on a summer breeze.

Please share a little bit about your current release.
Blackhorse Road is a compelling story of emotional maturation, coming-of-age, romance, and womanhood that chronicles family conflict, a generational clash of beliefs, and the transforming power of choice, gratitude, and forgiveness.

It’s the turbulent mid-1960s, and Luci, an eighteen-year-old Southern California girl, is on the quest for self-determination and new beginnings. Three powerful forces influence her values: the grit of her Irish great-grandmother, Lucinda McCormick; the philosophy of choice of her father, Sam; and the 1960s ideals of equity and altruism. But potent foes thwart Luci at every turn. Her budding romance with a handsome United States Air Force Academy cadet sets the stage for conflict and deception that last for two decades. A betrayal set into motion by someone she should have been able to trust plunges her into despair. When Luci discovers how her autonomy and her love affair were hijacked, she struggles with anger and bitterness. But from a surprising source, she finds a forgiveness path that restores her well-being and hope and, in the end, faith in herself.

What inspired you to write this book?

After I retired from academia, I started my practice as a leadership coach to focus on helping women break the glass ceiling and fulfill their leadership and economic potential. During the past ten years, I transitioned from writing textbooks to motivational books on creating environments where people flourish through better leadership.

About three years ago, I was on a conference call with fellow life coaches, and we were discussing concepts of what makes a fulfilling life. Bang! Like a thunderclap, I had an insight. What would it be like to help people understand the concepts of a flourishing life in a story instead of through a motivational book or text? After all, I thought, storytelling has been the most compelling form of communication for thousands of years. As far as I could recall, none of the great Profits fed up learning objectives and multiple-choice questions to their followers. No! They got their message across through stories.

I was tired of writing motivational books and textbooks that give frameworks, theories, and ideas but don’t immerse readers in the human experience. Since I was ten-years-old, I had wanted to write fiction, but my professional career steered me in another direction.

Now, I saw an opportunity to follow the dream I had had as a child and write stories showing how ordinary people tackle challenges, live through sorrow and betrayal, struggle with doubt and act on their aspirations to achieve flourishing lives. There is nothing more satisfying to an author to receive feedback from readers describing how they have connected with the characters and become one with the story.

Excerpts from Blackhorse Road:Values, beliefs, and life philosophy form the backbone of Blackhorse Road characters. Book reviewer, Gayle Scroggs, suggests that “The exceptional self-awareness that the characters show is what stands out in Blackhorse Road.” The following excerpts give a hint about some of these.

Lucinda—Chapter 1: What defines a person are not one’s financial or physical attributes or beliefs. Instead, it’s the choices that one makes in surmounting life’s challenges.

Luci—Chapter 1: Conformity may make life seem more comfortable. But blind obedience, in time, frustrates and disappoints us. It is conformity that robs us of our hope and deprives us of improving ourselves and creating a better and fairer world.

Sam—Chapter 13: Life’s a journey,” Sam told his children. “You get to pick the highway, the destination, and transportation. You choose the provisions available on the way. You make the decisions. In the end, you are answerable for your actions, looking out for your best interests, and completing the journey.”

Geneviève—Chapter 19: Because some group or government bans a book, dear, doesn’t mean its material has nothing valuable to teach us. Make no mistake, Ma Bichette, governments and narrow-minded groups ban books because they challenge and teach people something important. Banned books are bold and provocative and confront issues that certain segments of the population want to sweep under the carpet.

Barry—Chapter 19: Being “in love” is a passion like the flames of a blistering fire that race across the prairie. It’s fierce and red, self-serving, and out of control. It feeds upon itself until there is nothing left. “To love,” though, is a passion like the embers of a flickering fire that lingers within the hearth. It’s gentle and glowing, crackles with surprise, and permeates the senses. It’s warm and steady. It rekindles itself, and it endures.

What exciting story are you working on next?
I am working on a women’s fiction novel tentatively titled Suzanna that begins in Columbus, Ohio, in the mid-1980s. Suzanna has her whole life in front of her like an open freeway or so she believes . . . The story is packed with challenges and hard decisions, as Suzanna strives to follow her North Star. The ending, like Blackhorse Road, has a surprising twist—this one, though, might raise the reader’s curiosity just enough to wonder if coincidences that edge on the paranormal might be real. Stay tuned!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

My first recollection of writing fiction was when I was about ten years old. What inspired that effort was a picture that hung in the dining room of my parents’ home. It was a moon-lit lake scene that screamed out that mystery lurked among the shadows cast from the trees on the shoreline. At the time, like most young girls in the 1950s, I was into Nancy Drew books. So, my first attempt at fiction involved some type of scary adventure along the shores of a secluded lake. Although I had minor attempts at writing short stories in high school, my fiction writing career was interrupted by authoring nonfiction works related to my career in health information systems and leadership.

As I mentioned earlier, about three years ago, I got back on the fiction writing track during a conference call in late 2017 with a group of fellow life coaches. As we were talking about what makes a flourishing life, I blurted out, “What would it be like to help women and men achieve a flourishing life through storytelling instead of another self-help book?”

After that phone call, I got started answering that question. Almost three years later, the result is my debut novel Blackhorse Road, a compelling story of womanhood and the power of choice, gratitude, and forgiveness.

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’m still connected with my previous profession, have coaching clients and help women develop in their leadership, but I consider writing women’s fiction my full-time profession. I spend at least eight hours a day on some aspect related to my fiction writing. When I’m in full swing into a story, I can devote sixteen hours or more a day to writing. I get immersed with my characters and their challenges and time stands still.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Music! When I was writing Blackhorse Road, the Four Seasons, the Everly Brothers, the Beach Boys, Dick Dale, Peter, Paul, and Mary and others put me in the 1960s mood and gave me inspiration. Now, writing my next novel, Suzanna, that is set in the early and mid-1980s, Neil Diamond, Phil Collins, and Elton John provide the necessary background that inspires me.

The Mindful Minute. Every hour I indulge in a mindful minute to elevate my awareness and keep me in the present. I take sixty seconds, sit in my chair and close my eyes and just listen to the sounds around me. I don’t judge the sounds but accept them with curiosity. When extraneous thoughts come into my mind, I acknowledge them and gently push them away and continue listening. That short mindful minute is a remarkable remedy for anxiety or worry.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?I hope that my stories raise readers’ awareness and curiosity and transport them to the most unexpected places within themselves. If Blackhorse Road achieves that, then I am grateful.

Thank you for being a guest on my blog!

Thank you for this opportunity to share Blackhorse Road with your readers.

Links:

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop

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Interview with novelist and screenwriter Sarah Stonich

Today’s special author guest is writer Sarah Stonich. She’s chatting with me about her new women’s fiction comedy, Fishing!

Bio:

Sarah Stonich is a novelist and screenwriter. Her first book, These Granite Islands was a Barnes and Noble Great New Writers pick and was translated into eleven languages. Her second, The Ice Chorus, was also widely translated and won several honors. Her memoir Shelter: Off The Grid In The Mostly Magnetic North won a Northeast Minnesota Book Award. Sarah is best known for her Northern Trilogy, beginning with Vacationland, recently chosen by USA Today as the definitive Minnesota book for their ‘50 States: 50 Books’ feature. Second in the trilogy, Laurentian Divide, won the 2019 Minnesota Book Award and the NEMBA winner as well as a National Reading Group Month selection by National Women’s Book Association. Wisconsin Public Radios longest running program, Chapter A Day chose Laurentian Divide to be read on air by Jim Fleming. Along with Vacationland, it has been chosen as a community read in three dozen midwestern and Canadian cities.

FISHING! is the first book in her Fishing With RayAnne trilogy, to be followed in March of 2021 by Reeling. She is currently adapting these novels to a television series. Sarah has been awarded fellowships at a dozen residency programs here and abroad, including the Tyrone Guthrie Center in Ireland; Gibraltor Center, Toronto; Hawthornden, Scotland; Art Omi, New York, and Chicago’s Ragdale Foundation, Sarah lives on the Mississippi River in a renovated flour mill with her musician husband recently acquired rescue cat, Dr. Fauci. Of her literary talents Colum McCann says, “One of the joys of reading is coming across books in which language is perfectly wedded to story.” Richard Russo calls Laurentian Divide: ‘Hilarious, smart, moving and kind, ‘Laurentian Divide’ is good for the soul – at least is was good for mine.’

Welcome, Sarah. Please tell us about your current release.

Having fled the testosterone-soaked world of pro-sport fishing, thirty-something RayAnne Dahl takes a consulting job with the first all-women fishing-talk show on public television (one viewer calls it ‘Oprah in a boat’) After the original host bails, RayAnne lands at the helm until a ‘real’ host can be found. Camera shy and out of her depth - RayAnne has her doubts, and enough on her plate with her demanding family just off-stage. Just when things look manageable and she understands the shows potential for good - that it might uplift women, her own life nearly capsizes.

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to write a book that was entertaining but ultimately meaningful. I was inspired by the influences of older generations of women and the ongoing battle for equality, unbelievably still a battle in 2020. I wanted to write an entertaining story that would speak to young professional women while including fantastic older role models.

What exciting story are you working on next?

Reeling. It’s the second in the trilogy, in which the show is renewed for a second season and goes on the road to New Zealand, providing adventures for RayAnne and Cassi that open their eyes in the way only travel and immersion in another culture can.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

It was one thing to hold my first book, These Granite Islands in my hand, and see it on a store shelf and a library shelf. That all felt a bit unreal. But when I got a heartfelt letter from a reader telling me how she’d related to a character and that the book actually helped her make sense of something she was going through, I was floored. And so grateful to be reminded why books matter. Tip to readers: writers LOVE to hear from you - it reminds us why we do this.

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?

Nearly full time. It’s my primary job so I treat it like one by setting expectations, hours, page counts. I try to make deadlines; visit book clubs (which I love); do speaking engagements, etc. I used to have a few paying gigs (pre-covid) and my husband has good insurance, so for now I can still write (fingers crossed).

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

That I’m dyslexic - so naturally chose to become a writer! My methods and process are pretty messy and disjointed. I write all over the place, from the middle to the end to the beginning and back and in circles. It’s a bit like making hot dogs - not pretty!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An artist. Many of my characters are creative and good with their hands, and a few are even the sort of talented painters I imagined I’d one day be , so safe to say I’m living vicariously through them. My characters include painters, a milliner, a seamstress, a filmmaker.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I guess to remind them that online reviews and word-of-mouth is the most effective way to spread the word about books we love - readers have more power than they know - more than the publisher or booksellers. If you love a book, shout if from the rooftops (and anywhere online where you review and rate books!).

Links:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Buy link

To learn more about Sarah and her writing, visit her other tour stops:

June 8th @ The Muffin

What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Visit WOW's blog The Muffin today and celebrate the launch of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing! by reading an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

June 10th @ Madeline Sharples' Blog

Visit Madeline's blog today and you can read a guest post by Sarah Stonich about inviting authors to your book group.

http://madelinesharples.com/

June 12th @ Tongue Tied Magazine

Come by Tongue Tied Magazine today and you can read Sean's review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing!.

https://tonguetiedmag.com/

June 13th @ Boots, Shoes & Fashion

Visit Linda's blog today and you can read her fascinating interview with author Sarah Stonich, author of the book Fishing!

http://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

June 15th @ Michelle Cornish's Blog

You can visit Michelle's blog and read a guest post by Sarah Stonich about how reader reviews support authors - and help authors write better books.

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

June 16th @ Bookapotamus

Visit Kate's blog and you can read her review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing!.

https://bookapotamusblog.wordpress.com/

June 17th @ The New England Book Critic

Visit Victoria's blog today and you can read her review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing!

http://www.thenewenglandbookcritic.com

June 20th @ Coffee with Lacey

Visit Lacey's blog today and read her review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing!.

https://coffeewithlacey.com/

June 22nd @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog

Visit Beverley's blog today and read her review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing!.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

June 24th @ Literary Quicksand

Visit Jolissa's blog today and read her review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing!

http://www.literaryquicksand.com/

June 25th @ The Frugalista Mom

Stop by Rozelyn's blog today and you can read her review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing! You can also enter to win a copy of the book too!

https://thefrugalistamom.com

June 26th @ Lady Unemployed

Visit Nicole's blog today and read author Sarah Stonich's guest post about feminists we adore.

http://www.ladyunemployed.com

(Today) June 28th @ Reviews and Interviews

Join Lisa as she interviews author Sarah Stonich about her book Fishing!.

http://lisahaseltonsreviewsandinterviews.blogspot.com/

June 29th @ Beverley A. Baird's Blog

Stop by Beverley's blog again today and you can read Sarah Stonich's guest post about what fictional heroines can teach us.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

July 1st @ It's Alanna Jean

Visit Alanna Jean's blog today and you can read a guest post by author Sarah Stonich featuring 10 books every girl and woman should read.

http://itsalannajean.com/

July 3rd @ The World of My Imagination

Author Romalyn Tilghman will be reviewing Sarah Stonich's book Fishing! as a guest reviewer at Nicole's blog.

https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/

July 5th @ Jill Sheet's Blog

Visit Jill's blog today and you can read her Sarah Stonich's inspiring guest post about change starts on the page.

http://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

July 7th @ Michelle Cornish's Blog

Visit Michelle's blog and read her review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing!

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

July 8th @ Chapters Through Life

Visit Danielle's blog today and you can read her review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing!

http://chaptersthroughlife.blogspot.co.uk

July 9th @ Journalling Joy on Sahar's Blog

Visit Sahar's blog and read her review of Sarah Stonich's book Fishing!.

http://www.saharsblog.com/

Interview with writer Donna Koros Stramella

Today’s special guest is Donna Koros Stramella. She’s chatting with me about her new women’s fiction, Coffee Killed My Mother.

Bio:

Donna Koros Stramella is a writer from Maryland whose fiction and nonfiction pieces have been published in Adelaide Literary Magazine, Scarlet Leaf Review, Columbia Magazine, and the Baltimore Sun. She is a previous award-winning journalist and a graduate of the University of Tampa MFA in Creative Writing. Currently, she is working on her second novel, Among the Bones.

Welcome, Donna. Please tell us about your current release.

Coffee Killed My Mother explores the story of an unusual mother-daughter relationship, told through the eyes of an anxious 17-year-old Anna Lee. Her life is stuck, largely because of her strained relationship with her mother Jacqueline, a quirky recovering alcoholic who is now addicted to coffee. The two take off on a trip to explore independent coffee shops along the east coast, but Jacqueline's real agenda is an opportunity to reveal a series of disturbing family secrets to Anna Lee--a twin who died in utero, a fatal drunk driving accident, an abusive parent, and her mother's betrayal of a woman Anna Lee holds dear.

What inspired you to write this book?

As a mother and a daughter, I’ve always been interested in the special relationships between mothers and daughters. I wanted to examine how the relationship between two wildly different individuals would be affected by long-held secrets.

Excerpt from Coffee Killed My Mother:

In this excerpt, a young Anna Lee uncovers one of her mother’s secrets:

When I was 11, the city of Northern Beach started curbside recycling. The earth-conscious residents of the town no longer had to separate their plastic and paper and tin, then drive it to the large white bins near the library. After my mother’s nail snagged on the corner of the plastic, the curbside responsibility was passed to me.

On the first night of my duty, I discovered a secret. As I pulled the heavy square bin behind me, I heard the sound of rolling, then glass clinking beneath the flattened cereal boxes and newspapers. At the end of our two-car-length driveway at the curb beside the mailbox, the street light and crescent moon gave me just enough light. I moved the cardboard and paper back to see what made the sound. Wine bottles. A dozen or more. Maybe my mother had saved them up, I’d reasoned. Maybe she’d planned to do something with them and had them stashed away. I never saw her drink wine, although occasionally, I’d see a wine glass in the sink or drying on a countertop towel.

The next week, I figured the bin would be lighter. But it wasn’t. Each week at the mailbox, I’d get a sick feeling in my stomach as I pulled back the stuff on top. And there they were. Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen wine bottles. The most was eighteen. I turned them over to read the labels: Pino Noir and Pino Grigio. Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. And lots of Sangria. The yellow price stickers revealed my mother’s top criteria for her selections—nothing over $10.

Week after week, I’d drag that bright yellow bin to the curb, the bottles rolling around like bowling pins that had been knocked down.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m about one-third into my next novel, Among the Bones. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the story features a group of diverse residents in a wildly unusual community, all looking to escape something from their past. There’s a series of murders that simmer in the background of the story, but ultimately move to the forefront.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I wrote for a couple school newspapers, starting in grade school. I think the first time I saw my story in print, I knew I was a “real” writer. Although I’ve been blessed to work as a writer for most of my career, the title “author” eluded me until this year.

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 worked full time while writing my first book, which was a challenge. I started the book during the last term of my MFA program at University of Tampa. My time in that program not only greatly improved my writing, but also helped me develop a dedicated writing schedule. Now I’m only working part-time, which gives me more time for the new novel. Since my “outside” work has also been as a writer, I sometimes found it hard to sit down and dedicate myself to creative work after I’d been writing all day at my job.

On the days that I’m writing, I get up early and work in a quiet space that I’ve set aside. On a good day, I’ll write for a full eight hours. On a day when the warm weather and sunshine is calling me outside, I’ll work for a minimum of three hours. I write most weekdays and sometimes on Saturday.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have a couple of candles on my desk from my daughters—one labeled “rich coffee aroma” and the other “bookstore.” Even if I don’t light them, I’ll open the lid and sniff when I need a bit of inspiration! When I’m really stuck, I’ll take a short walk and send up a prayer. If the candle doesn’t work, the prayer always does!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

For as long as I remember, I wanted to be a writer, so much so that when I was young, I asked Santa for a desk and a typewriter—which I received. I’ve always had an active imagination, always thinking—what if this situation had gone in another direction? My nightly dreams are colorful and vivid and I’m often jotting them down when I wake. I see those dreams as gifts from above.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Like most authors whose books were recently published, I’ve had to switch gears. My marketing strategy was based mainly on events in New York City, Baltimore, and DC. I’ve had to transition quickly and have been so fortunate to receive support from others—especially bloggers (thank you, Lisa!). I’ve had reviewers suggest my book is a good fit for book clubs, and I’d love to provide discussion questions and “zoom in” to virtual meetings.

It’s a great time to read something new, and I’ve been opening myself to read new genres. I try to do my part by promoting the work of other authors on my FB page. It’s a big supportive community, and I’m glad to be a part of it!

Links:

Facebook | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Adelaide Books

Thanks for being here today, Donna!

Interview with women's fiction writer Jessica Winters Mireles

Women’s fiction author Jessica Winters Mireles is here today to chat about her new romance, Lost in Oaxaca, a novel.

Bio:

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, Jessica Winters Mireles holds a degree in piano performance from USC. After graduating, she began her career as a piano teacher and performer.

Four children and a studio of over forty piano students later, Jessica’s life changed drastically when her youngest daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of two; she soon decided that life was too short to give up on her dreams of becoming a writer, and after five years of carving out some time each day from her busy schedule, she finished Lost in Oaxaca.

Jessica’s work has been published in GreenPrints and Mothering magazines. She also knows quite a bit about Oaxaca, as her husband is an indigenous Zapotec man from the highlands of Oaxaca and is a great source of inspiration. She lives with her husband and family in Santa Barbara, California.

Welcome, Jessica. Please tell us about your current release.

The title of my novel is Lost in Oaxaca. The story is about a piano teacher, who as a young pianist lost out on a concert career after an injury to her hand destroyed her ability to play. She now leads a solitary life teaching piano, and she has a star student: Graciela, the daughter of her mother’s Mexican housekeeper. Camille has been grooming the young Graciela for the career that she missed out on, and now Graciela, newly turned eighteen, has just won the grand prize in a piano competition, which means she gets to perform with the LA Philharmonic. Camille is ecstatic; if she can’t play herself, at least as Graciela’s teacher, she will finally get the recognition she deserves.

But there are only two weeks left before the concert, and Graciela has disappeared—gone back to her family’s village in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. Desperate to bring Graciela back in time for the concert, Camille goes after her, but on the way there, a bus accident leaves her without any of her possessions. Alone and unable to speak the language, Camille is befriended by Alejandro, a Zapotec man who lives in LA but is from the same village as Graciela. Despite a contentious first meeting, Alejandro helps Camille navigate the rugged terrain and unfamiliar culture of Oaxaca, allowing her the opportunity to view the world in a different light—and perhaps find love in the process.

What inspired you to write this book?

Mostly, it was my career as a pianist and teacher that inspired me. I’d hate for my students to know this, but for decades, I’ve been writing stories in my head while teaching piano lessons. I’ve found that listening to music, even from a young child in the process of learning to play the piano, sparks great writing ideas. Through the years, I’ve also wondered how I would react if an injury to my hands prevented me from playing the piano, so I incorporated this idea into my novel, as well. I’m also a hopeless romantic, and adore a good love story. My novel was definitely inspired by my own love story: I’ve been married to the love of my life for 33 years. Our many trips to my husband’s hometown in Mexico have allowed me an incredible glimpse into the beautiful culture of Oaxaca, Mexico.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I have so many ideas right now, it’s difficult to decide what to do. I’m sure it will have to do with a middle-aged woman navigating some big life change!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’m a very late bloomer. As a child, I was a bookworm, and always loved to write. Looking back now, I realize that I was a very good writer all through school, but somehow told myself the story that I wasn’t good enough to pursue it professionally. I chose music instead. While a piano performance major at USC, I had the opportunity to take a creative writing class with T. C. Boyle, and fell in love with writing all over again. Unfortunately, I once again put my dreams on hold to get married, raise four children, and teach a studio of 40 piano students. When my youngest daughter was two, she was diagnosed with leukemia. After almost three years of chemotherapy, she was considered cured, and in a sense, I was cured, too. I decided that I would write again, no matter what. I began to allow a little time each day to write. I signed up for an adult education writing class, started a blog, and joined a bi-weekly writing group. The funny thing is that even though I have a novel coming out soon, it’s still difficult for me to refer to myself as a “writer.” Maybe when I have the next novel under my belt, I’ll own that title.

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?

Unfortunately, I can’t write full time because I still have a large class of piano students and one teenage daughter still living at home. I do manage to squeeze in about 2-3 hours each day if I can. I would love to be able to write all day long!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I love photography, and often will look through the photos I’ve taken with my phone to find inspiration to write. I believe that many writers are inspired by other types of creative expression. I also make up stories in my head about people I see on the street; I imagine what they looked like as children, and what their life experiences have been.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a famous concert pianist! And I wanted to be Nancy Drew.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

This may sound trite, but I want to say that it’s really never too late to fulfill one’s life dream. Sometimes it takes hitting bottom to make one realize that life is too short to ignore those deep desires! I didn’t start seriously writing until my late forties. I’m 58 now and am about to publish my first novel. If I can do it, anyone can do it.

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Thanks for being my guest today!