Q and A with Kathy Nickerson

My guest today is Kathy Nickerson author of Thirty Days to Grace.  Stay tuned for my review of Thirty Days to Grace!!! :) ~ASC


AUTHOR: Kathy Nickerson

BOOK TITLE: Thirty Days to Glory

BLOG ADDRESS: kathynick.com/blog

WEB ADDRESS: http://kathynick.com

FACEBOOK ADDRESS: https://www.facebook.com/Mrs.KathyNickerson

EMAIL: kathy@kathynick.com

BIO: Kathy Nickerson is an author, speaker, and eternal optimist who writes from her home in rural Missouri, where she lives with her husband of nearly forty years.  They are the parents of four children who grew up to become their best friends and who have given them thirteen grandchildren, so far. Kathy's eternal optimism comes from her mother, The Nicest Woman on Earth, and from a deep faith in the God who made Light to shine from darkness.  Kathy's articles have appeared in several magazines and her novel, Thirty Days to Glory, will be released by CrossRiver Media in 2013.

QUESTIONS:

• Tell us a little about your background and how you became interested in writing...

I've loved writing since my sixth grade teacher taught us to diagram 
sentences on the chalk board. I started writing fiction in high school when I wanted to change the endings to some of my own stories. (You know, the girl actually gets the guy instead of getting dumped.) Later, I discovered that stories were a great way to express emotions, share truths, and explore life. Eventually, I started writing lots of non-fiction and sold several articles, as well.

• What led you to write Thirty Days to Glory? 

I actually drew Elmer Grigsby's name in a prayer challenge like Catherine's. (Although I've changed his name.) He stuck with me for years, and I wondered if my prayers had made any difference. Then I met a sweet lady in the nursing home who felt her life was useless. My husband reminded her the most important thing she could do was pray. The story grew from there.

• Tell us about getting your mind in a creative mode? How do you begin your writing process? 

I write! I'm a big believer that we must discipline our art, so I don't wait for some kind of magical inspiration. I sit down and force myself to type words. Even if they are no good at the start, they will eventually flow. However, when I do get dry, I give myself a creative experience. I watch a movie, read a book, go for a walk, or enjoy a great conversation. 

• Many writers utilize a writing group. Where do you get constructive  critiques and feedback? 

I have a small circle of writing friends who are willing to tell me when something stinks. We are an informal critique group. I also sign up for paid critiques at writers' conferences, and I sometimes use a service such as The Christian Writers Guild critique service. Those require a thick skin, and I think I have one.

• What is Thirty Days to Glory about?

This is the story of Catherine Benson, an elderly widow who wants to do one great thing before she dies. And about Elmer Grigsby, a WWII vet who just wants to stay seriously drunk . Inside their stories are universal questions about purpose, destiny, relationships, and the things that ultimately matter in life.

• What was the hardest thing about writing the book? 

Honestly, I was surprised by the emotions I encountered right along with the characters. They feel almost as real as my family sometimes. I've read and revised the book about a zillion times, but some places still make me cry. Or laugh.

• Now that Thirty Days to Glory is out in bookstores, do you have any projects you're currently working on? 

Several. Some of the Glory Circle Sisters are demanding stories of their own. Currently I'm working on a novel about the adventures of Bess Caldwell after she sneaks away from the assisted living apartment her nephew put her in. And Madge is about to save the day in another story.

• When you're not writing, what do you enjoy doing? 

Snuggling my husband. Hugging our grandchildren. Talking with friends about God-things. Watching our children conquer various corners of the world. And, of course, planning for Christmas all year long! 

• What is your favorite Bible Verse?

 I'm not sure this is my favorite verse, but it is one I love and think about often.  I love being sappy!

Planted in the house of the Lord,
They will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still yield fruit in old age;
They shall be full of sap and very green, 

Ps. 92:13-14 NASB

• Anything else you would like to add?


I hope readers will be inspired to take some action after reading Thirty Days to Glory. To mend a relationship, to find a friend, to leap toward that One Great Thing whether it is as simple as a prayer or as grand as an exotic adventure.

Read my review here:  

Goes live at 7:00 a.m. Nov. 4th