When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved writing, and from a young age, enjoyed reading humor columnists. I was probably one of Erma Bombeck’s most youthful followers! After losing a baby, I began journaling incessantly, which propelled me to join a writing group. My skills grew in this group, and I soon realized that I wanted to share my writing with readers.

Who were the authors that influenced you as a youth, and in what ways?

As a child, I ate up the “Little House on the Prairie” books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I adored reading about this family and how they lived so differently than mine, yet I still related to the characters’ emotions. I believe that reading novels develops empathy, as good writing enables us to sink into the lives of others. I’m a very empathic person, which I’m sure is due in part to my early love of reading fiction. My “Little House” books are boxed up and in my attic, and though I haven’t looked at them in years, I can still visualize the books’ illustrations and can recall the trials and tribulations of the Ingalls family.

How did it feel when you got to hold your very first advanced copy of your book?

Holding the advanced reading copy of my book was surreal, awesome, and terrifying! There, in my hands, was concrete evidence of years of my work. A genuine book with a beautiful cover, and inside were all the sentences and paragraphs I’d labored over! I’d be dishonest, however, if I didn’t also admit to feelings of anxiety. People will actually read my book?! Or, What if no one reads my book?!

What was the inspiration behind your book?

I lost a baby in 2004, and writing in my journal became the key to processing and understanding my emotions. I soon discovered that my local arts center was offering a writing class. It happened to be led by an author whose memoir about losing a baby was among the first I’d read after my own loss. I eagerly signed up for her class, and looking back, doing so was a life-changing moment for me. The course evolved into a long-standing writing group, and it was in the company of the group’s supportive and gifted writers that I began to pen my story. I had no initial plan to write a memoir, but over time it naturally evolved into a memoir.

What was your publishing journey like?

After multiple drafts and revisions, I completed my memoir, but then delayed jumping into the publishing process, not yet convinced I wanted to share my personal story with the world. Identifying myself as a private introvert didn’t help matters! A friend finally convinced me that if I decided not to publish, I’d likely regret it forever. She was right. I found She Writes Press and immediately knew I wanted to work with them. I love that they support women writers, love that they are a hybrid publisher, and love the high quality work they publish.

What advice do you have for aspiring young novelists?

Anyone aspiring to be a writer? My advice is to write, write, write, write, write. Seek feedback, and write some more. Also: read, read, read, read, read. Ignore your inner critic, and as Anne Lamott advises in her book about writing Bird by Bird, embrace the “shitty first draft.”

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?

My superpower would undoubtedly be increasing my energy reserves! I hate that sometimes at the end of a busy workday as an academic coach at a university, I often don’t have much juice left to do more! With my superpower, I imagine myself writing well into the evening, or going to a gym, or learning how to sew, or knitting a pair of socks. In reality, by the time I’ve fixed supper and cleaned up, I’m sometimes simply strung out in my den, wondering if it’s too early to go to bed!

Where is your favorite travel destination?

I love the mountains in general, and I’m also in awe of the wild beauty found in the national state parks of the U.S. I have enjoyed recent trips to Yosemite, Yellowstone, Smokey Mountains, and Salt Lake City. The mountains in North Carolina are among my favorite; they may not have the dramatic elevation as others, but to me, they exude humble beauty.

When you’re not writing, what are your favorite hobbies?

I have recently taken an interest in baking, thanks to binge-watching The Great British Bake-Off. I love the element of anticipation in taking the first bite of a new dessert! I also enjoy hiking, reading, and listening to music. I used to be a big knitter, but I’ve put the needles down for a little while to focus on publishing my book.

Where can people find you online?

Thank you for visiting me at kristenrademacher.com and on Facebook.

Thank you for joining me for Writer Wednesdays!

If you are a writer/author of any genre and would like to pitch yourself for an interview, please email me at info@alexismariechute.com

Catch you next week!

Happy writing,

   –   Alexis Marie Chute