We’re excited to have author Karey L White in an exclusive interview today talking about her new release…
Gifted
Paperback, 224 pages
Published February 8th 2011
by Cedar Fort, Inc.
ISBN 1599554747
Susan and Brent Weller have been waiting for years for a baby of their own. But as Anna grows, her unique gifts become more apparent, and the choices she makes while trying to help others could threaten her family’s happy, comfortable life. With a strong message about family and having hope for the future, Gifted is sure to change your outlook on life.
Tell us a little about Gifted
Gifted is the story of a couple who adopt a baby girl and discover as she grows that she has some unusual gifts or qualities about her. Those gifts are wonderful, but as Anna grows, the gifts present unexpected challenges. A central part of the story is the relationship between Anna and her best friend, Kelsey. Kelsey comes from a broken and abusive home. They forge a friendship that is more like family. The thing I love about Gifted is that I think it illustrates how important love is and how our lives can be a source of light for those around us.
Where did the idea for the book come from?
We had a neighbor whose pregnant grand-daughter was killed in a car accident. Although she died, they were able to save the baby and this elderly couple had to find her a home. I went to bed one night thinking of them and what they were going through and I had a dream about the baby. In the dream, she had these wonderful, almost magical gifts. I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen if a baby really had these gifts. That’s what led to the story of Anna. In fact, in the book Anna’s mother, Susan has a dream about her daughter. It’s the same dream I had.
What advice would you give to beginning writers on the road to trying to get published?
Love your characters. I love the characters in Gifted. As I wrote the story, I felt their frustrations, their pains, their triumphs. I cared so much about them and their story that I wanted others to know them. As corny as that sounds, I think when you love the characters and they feel real to you, you want to do right by them.
Do you have any writing rituals or snacks?
I usually write when it’s quiet and I rarely eat while I’m writing. But after I’ve put in a few hours, I like to reward myself with a delicious baked treat. Or marzipan.
What books have most inspired you?
I’m going to limit this answer to fiction because there are lots of non-fiction books that have inspired me. But I love fiction that makes me think and teaches me something. I was inspired by everything written by Bess Streeter Aldrich. A Lantern in Her Hand, A White Bird Flying, and Spring Came on Forever are my favorites. And East of Eden by John Steinbeck completely changed the way I look at people. I think that’s the sign of really great fiction.
Any projects in the works currently?
I’m working on a romance called For What It’s Worth.
What have been some of the most rewarding parts of the journey so far?It has been a thrill to see some of the reviews from people who loved Anna and Kelsey. And talk about a rush–walking into a store and seeing my book on the shelf still takes my breath away. It’s definitely a dream come true.
Thanks so much Karey for stopping by Fire and Ice. To learn more about Gifted visit her site at http://www.kareywhite.blogspot.com/