an interview with Leslie Gould
#1. What started you on the “Alpine Path” (writing career)?
I began writing poems in elementary school, short stories in high school, and plays in college. By the time I was in my mid 20s I was plotting novels, but I was honestly too afraid to try writing one. What if I failed? What would I have to dream about then? But then in late 1990 my husband, who was in the Army Reserves, deployed to Germany during Desert Storm and out of creative desperation as the mom of two little (precious!) boys, I signed up for a fiction class. I wrote and wrote and wrote—for the next 10 years. I signed my first contract in 2001 for Garden of Dreams. I’ve kept writing ever since. My twenty-second novel releases in February.
I began writing poems in elementary school, short stories in high school, and plays in college. By the time I was in my mid 20s I was plotting novels, but I was honestly too afraid to try writing one. What if I failed? What would I have to dream about then? But then in late 1990 my husband, who was in the Army Reserves, deployed to Germany during Desert Storm and out of creative desperation as the mom of two little (precious!) boys, I signed up for a fiction class. I wrote and wrote and wrote—for the next 10 years. I signed my first contract in 2001 for Garden of Dreams. I’ve kept writing ever since. My twenty-second novel releases in February.
#2. Are you a full-time author or do you have another job?
Yes, I’m a full-time author, and I have another job, although a very part-time one. I teach one writing class a semester at Warner Pacific College, a small liberal arts school. Hanging out with young adults keeps me on my toes!
Yes, I’m a full-time author, and I have another job, although a very part-time one. I teach one writing class a semester at Warner Pacific College, a small liberal arts school. Hanging out with young adults keeps me on my toes!
#3. What is the hardest part of being an author?
The anxiety around deadlines. I very seldom miss a deadline, but there are often moments of panic in the middle of the night when I’m afraid I will.
The anxiety around deadlines. I very seldom miss a deadline, but there are often moments of panic in the middle of the night when I’m afraid I will.
#4. How has becoming a published author changed your life?
I travel more than I used to. ☺ I love research trips! In the last 18 months I’ve been to Pennsylvania, France, Maine, Virginia, and Washington D.C., seeking out settings and needed information to write the two series I’m working on right now.
I travel more than I used to. ☺ I love research trips! In the last 18 months I’ve been to Pennsylvania, France, Maine, Virginia, and Washington D.C., seeking out settings and needed information to write the two series I’m working on right now.
#5. What genres do you write and what drew you to them?
Currently, I’m writing time-slip historicals and Amish. The first book in the time-slip historical category, co-authored with Mindy Starns Clark, just released. It’s called My Brother’s Crown and the historical thread, which I concentrated on, is set in France in 1685. It was great fun to research and write it! The next two books in the series take place in Virginia, and then the fourth one returns to France. The series, which is called Cousins of the Dove, follows the plight of a Huguenot family (French Protestants) as they flee Europe and settle in America. I’m a history major who is also fascinated by church history. I love researching and writing this series!
I’ve always been intrigued with Plain living and co-authored four Amish novels with Mindy several years ago. Since then I’ve written six more on my own and am now working on my seventh. My latest series, The Neighbors of Lancaster County, tells the stories of two families—an Amish family and a military family. It’s been fascinating to dream up these stories and weave my interest in the Amish and my experiences as a military spouse together. The second in the series, Amish Sweethearts, releases in February.
Currently, I’m writing time-slip historicals and Amish. The first book in the time-slip historical category, co-authored with Mindy Starns Clark, just released. It’s called My Brother’s Crown and the historical thread, which I concentrated on, is set in France in 1685. It was great fun to research and write it! The next two books in the series take place in Virginia, and then the fourth one returns to France. The series, which is called Cousins of the Dove, follows the plight of a Huguenot family (French Protestants) as they flee Europe and settle in America. I’m a history major who is also fascinated by church history. I love researching and writing this series!
I’ve always been intrigued with Plain living and co-authored four Amish novels with Mindy several years ago. Since then I’ve written six more on my own and am now working on my seventh. My latest series, The Neighbors of Lancaster County, tells the stories of two families—an Amish family and a military family. It’s been fascinating to dream up these stories and weave my interest in the Amish and my experiences as a military spouse together. The second in the series, Amish Sweethearts, releases in February.
#6. What is the craziest thing you've done in the name of research?
Helping to milk an Amish dairy herd. So much fun!
Helping to milk an Amish dairy herd. So much fun!
#7. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice what would it be?
Laugh more and worry less. Everything, one way or the other, works out in the end.
Laugh more and worry less. Everything, one way or the other, works out in the end.
#8. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that has happened in your life as writer.
My most mortifying editing mistake happened in Courting Cate (inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”). I originally had a character go through Kentucky and visit Lincoln’s birthplace on his way to Pennsylvania. During rewrites, I decided I should have him go through Illinois instead. So I changed the state—but didn’t change “birthplace” to “home.” I’ve been mortified ever since. How dare I rewrite the history of our most beloved president, stating he was born in Illinois instead of Kentucky?! Mortifying, indeed!
My most mortifying editing mistake happened in Courting Cate (inspired by Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”). I originally had a character go through Kentucky and visit Lincoln’s birthplace on his way to Pennsylvania. During rewrites, I decided I should have him go through Illinois instead. So I changed the state—but didn’t change “birthplace” to “home.” I’ve been mortified ever since. How dare I rewrite the history of our most beloved president, stating he was born in Illinois instead of Kentucky?! Mortifying, indeed!
Bonus. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Micah 6:8 keeps coming back to me these last few weeks:
Micah 6:8 keeps coming back to me these last few weeks:
That is my prayer for myself. --- Leslie Gould
|
.
|
Leslie Gould
|
Leslie Gould is the #1 bestselling and Christy Award winning author of twenty-one novels. She has a MFA from Portland State University and teaches writing at Warner Pacific College. Leslie enjoys traveling, hiking, and history, and she and her husband, Peter, are the revolving-door parents of four children and three cats.
|
.
|
It's Time For A Giveaway!
Leslie Gould
is graciously giving away a Print copy of her novel
My Brother's Crown
is graciously giving away a Print copy of her novel
My Brother's Crown
Giveaway runs from 12 am MST (Mountain Standard Time) January 5th, 2016 through 12 am MST January 10th, 2016. I will email the Winner and they have 7 days (1 week) to claim their book.
RSS Feed
